A coalition of law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles are, for the first time, conducting sweeps to confiscate illegal fireworks and prosecute retailers who are attempting to sell the products.

With a table full of fireworks to his side, City Attorney Mike Feuer announces the partnership with law enforcement agencies that has so far netted four arrests. (photo by Aaron Blevins)

Last Friday, City Attorney Mike Feuer announced that four individuals have been charged with the possession and sale of fireworks in recent weeks, and representatives of his office said more arrests will be announced soon.

“We all know that the proliferation of illegal and dangerous fireworks poses a major hazard in all our neighborhoods,” Feuer said at a press conference, during which he announced the partnership.

He said most emergency room visits in Los Angeles that are attributed to fireworks involve children ages 5 to 9 and teenagers. Feuer said the partnership is another way to prevent that statistic from increasing.

Over the last couple weeks, the coalition — comprised of the Los Angeles Fire Department, the Los Angeles Port Police, Feuer’s office, the city’s Bureau of Street Services and the LAPD — has confiscated more than 1,000 pounds of fireworks, the city attorney said.

“And there’s more to come,” Feuer said. “I want to be clear — this is the beginning of an effort that is going to continue, and it’s going to be successful.”

Minh Nhut Lieu, 42, has been charged with one count of possession of dangerous fireworks and two counts of selling illegal fireworks after inspectors seized 580 pounds from his store, New Great Wall, located at 720 N. Broadway. The defendant faces one year in jail and $21,000 in fines.

Antelmo Garcia-Gurrero, 46, and Gregorio Del Carmen Lopez, 41, were both charged with possessing illegal fireworks and two counts of selling fireworks at 225 E. Winston Ave., units 1 and 7. They face one year in jail and $3,000 in fines.

Lastly, Lim Woo Sung, 55, has been charged with one count of selling illegal fireworks at Paty’s Trading, 230 Winston St., Suite C. Sung is facing six months in jail and $1,000 in fines. The defendants are scheduled to be arraigned in August.

“These sweeps are going to continue, and we’re going to continue to prosecute those who are found to be selling these items,” Feuer said, adding that the community can help by alerting authorities to illegal fireworks sales by calling (877)LAPD-247. “Join us. The partnership is terrific among the city agencies, but it’s not complete without members of the public participating with us.”

James Featherstone, LAFD’s interim fire chief, said the sale of illegal fireworks in Los Angeles is a “very, very serious issue.”

“The Fourth of July is a great holiday. It’s time to celebrate the birth of our nation with family and friends. It’s also important to remember that within the city limits of Los Angeles, all fireworks are illegal,” he said.

Featherstone said purchasing fireworks outside of city limits and bringing them into Los Angeles is also a crime. When the department encounters fireworks, firefighters call the LAPD Bomb Squad for their safe removal and disposal, he said.

“Even the so-called ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are explosive and can be seriously damaging to the body,” Featherstone added. He advised residents who want to enjoy fireworks to visit one of the many professional shows held in the city.

The interim fire chief said fireworks cause unnecessary fire loss to structures and vehicles every year. They also send thousands to the emergency room annually, primarily between June 30 and July 16, he said.

“There is no such thing as ‘safe and sane’ fireworks. Fireworks kill, maim and cause significant damage every year,” Featherstone said.

Det. Paul Robi, of the LAPD’s bomb squad, said individuals sell illegal fireworks because they can purchase them from neighboring states and then mark up the price three to five times. During the press conference, a table was lined with several kinds of fireworks. Robi estimated the cost to be $200 retail, but they could be sold for $600 to $800 on the streets “easily.”

He said there is also a risk with illegal fireworks being stored improperly, as the products — once they are stripped of the cardboard and packaging — are essentially a pile of explosives. Robi said they can also be transported improperly.

“We’ve had garages explode,” he added.

Robi said that several years ago, two bomb technicians were injured after 1,500 pounds of fireworks detonated in a home. One of the officers suffered injuries that ended his law enforcement career, and the damage to the house was quite severe, he said.

Featherstone said the ongoing drought increases the risk associated with fireworks this season. He said the city has many hillside and brush areas that become more volatile when the weather is consistently dry.

“We are very concerned about any kind of open flame, especially an open flame that has the ability to move,” Featherstone added. “All we need is a spark from an illegal firework and we have a catastrophe on our hands.”

Feuer said any resident who purchases fireworks can turn them in to any fire station in the city.

Residents can find local fireworks shows by calling (888)654-FIRE or visiting www.lafd.org or www.safejuly4th.org.