Los Angeles City Attorney Mike Feuer announced on June 24 that his office has taken action to curb online sales of illegal fireworks in advance of the Fourth of July. Feuer’s Consumer Protection Unit has sent cease and desist letters to major online platforms who then agreed to remove posts advertising fireworks for sale in the city of Los Angeles.

“It’s illegal to sell or possess fireworks in L.A. for good reason,” Feuer said. “Fireworks pose the very real risk of injuries, and our fire danger is acutely high given the ongoing drought. In addition, the loud, sudden noise can be triggering for veterans and survivors of gun violence with PTSD, and awful for families with special needs’ children and for pets.”

Cease and desist letters were sent to Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, OfferUp and 5Miles. The letters notified the corporations that their platforms had numerous offers for the sale of fireworks in Los Angeles, in violation of municipal and state law, and demanded that the corporations take immediate action to bring their online platforms into compliance with the law. Under L.A. Municipal Code, it is a misdemeanor to use, sell, possess or discharge fireworks in the city of Los Angeles.

The four platforms agreed to remove posts advertising fireworks for sale in Los Angeles, Feuer said. Representatives of OfferUp said staff has been added and steps have been taken to ensure future postings for fireworks sales are excluded. Facebook Marketplace also said it is working to address how to better identify and remove similar listings in the future.

Feuer said fireworks pose a serious fire danger, especially during the ongoing drought. Each year, fireworks are responsible for thousands of fires nationwide, he added.

Fireworks can cause problems for veterans and people with PTSD, children with special needs such as Autism spectrum disorder and other sensory issues, as well as pets.

More pets go missing during the Fourth of July weekend than at any other time of the year. Los Angeles Animal Services recommends that pet owners make sure they have up to date identification and pets are kept indoors during the holiday.

“Angelenos should leave fireworks to the pros, and with pandemic restrictions easing, there will be many spectacular Fourth of July events throughout Southern California,” Feuer added.

The Los Angeles Police Department will accept illegal fireworks without penalty. For information, call (877)ASK-LAPD. To file a complaint, visit complaint.lacity.org/Complaint/fireworks.