Authorities are reminding the public that all personal fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and West Hollywood. (photo courtesy of photosforclass.com)

In response to the Fourth of July, warm temperatures and heightened concerns about a dangerous fire season, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a motion on June 29 to better address illegal fireworks.

Authorities are also warning that all fireworks are illegal in the cities of Los Angeles, West Hollywood and Beverly Hills, and people found using or possessing them will be prosecuted. To anonymously report illegal fireworks, call (323)111-1111. To report a fire, call 911.

The motion approved on June 29, authored by Councilman Mark Ridley-Thomas, 10th District, directs the Los Angeles fire and police departments, in coordination with the Los Angeles Information and Technology Agency, to report back on setting up a system to track and respond to fireworks complaints through a mobile application that would issue automatic violations. A similar program has been established in San Bernardino County.

“The bottom line has to be safety. The use of illegal fireworks poses a threat to Angelenos. We must get creative, and we must make it easy to identify illegal fireworks use and establish sufficient repercussions to curb this activity,” Ridley-Thomas said. “Too many of our neighbors are literally playing with fire, and the results can be lethal.”

Ridley-Thomas said illegal fireworks have been a community nuisance for years, and the proliferation of fireworks appears to have increased during the pandemic. The violent noise and visual effects of illegal fireworks can cause trauma for animals and individuals such as veterans suffering from PTSD, and creates a grave fire risk.

“The fire department is supportive of all programs which can significantly reduce the risk of injury and potential fires from the use of illegal fireworks,” Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Ralph Terrazas said. “Councilmember Ridley-Thomas’ motion is innovative and I look forward to collaborating with the police department, the City Council and other city departments in this endeavor.”

“As we come together this Fourth of July weekend, I would like to urge my fellow Angelenos to celebrate safely, without the use of illegal fireworks,” Ridley-Thomas added. “We all must do our part. With this new reporting technology that is currently being employed in San Bernardino County, residents can anonymously report the use and sales of illegal fireworks through an online portal that can help fire department officials better track activities and identify violators. We must quickly adopt proven strategies to help curb this issue now, and for good.”