With the Fourth of July next week, multiple agencies teamed up Wednesday to demonstrate the dangers fireworks pose and remind residents that all fireworks are illegal.  

To educate residents about the dangers of fireworks, the Santa Clarita City Council, along with Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Fire Chief Daryl Osby, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station Captain Robert Lewis and the Grossman Burn Center, hosted a multi-agency fireworks safety press conference Wednesday aiming to persuade residents from Santa Clarita to go see a professional firework show instead of putting on their own.  

“It is important for us to you to recognize the Fourth of July is a time for celebration We want you to celebrate; there are places in the Santa Clarita Valley where you can celebrate,” Barger said. “You don’t need to celebrate in your backyard.”

Every year, fireworks cause thousands of injuries and start more than 1,600 fires. Fireworks can cause burns, loss of limbs and even death, according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department. 

“By shooting off illegal fireworks in our city, you are putting others in our city in danger and distress,” McLean said. “Please be considerate of your neighbors.You don’t live in a bubble.”

In the city of Santa Clarita, it is illegal to possess, sell or use fireworks, including those that are labeled “safe and sane,” such as sparklers, snaps, smoke balls and any item that explodes, according to officials. 

“We’re here to spread the word on firework safety,” said Osby. “In 2018, across our country, 13,000 people were injured by fireworks. Just to bring it closer to home, for the Los Angeles County Fire Department responded to 52 fires related to fireworks.” 

In Santa Clarita, fireworks are a violation of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code, Health and Safety Code and Los Angeles County Fire Code, according to officials.  To enjoy a professional fireworks show, Santa Clarita residents are invited to attend the city’s annual Fourth of July fireworks. 

“We are on a zero tolerance when it comes to law enforcement,” Lewis said. “Anyone who is caught lighting fireworks, or in possession of fireworks, will be cited for that offense.”

As in years’ past, the show is set to take place at the Westfield Valencia Town Center and start at 9:15 p.m.

The public is encouraged to report illegal fireworks anonymously by calling the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 255-1121. Residents are advised not to dial 9-1-1 to report illegal fireworks unless it is a life-threatening emergency. 

For more information on local professional fireworks shows in and near the Santa Clarita Valley, or details regarding fireworks regulations, click here.

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