Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman joined police and fire officials to caution about the consequences of lighting fireworks. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office)

In advance of Independence Day, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman is reminding residents about the devastating consequences of illegal fireworks and explosives. Hochman also reiterated authorities’ commitment to prosecute those who transport, sell and use illegal fireworks.

“Far too often, we have seen the destruction and deadly consequences of explosive devices that are illegally transported across state lines, sold in our communities and set off resulting in catastrophic explosions often killing innocent bystanders,” Hochman said. “As Independence Day approaches, I want to remind our communities that celebrations with illegal fireworks and explosives are not harmless entertainment. These devices can kill people, causing devastating injuries and destroying entire neighborhoods. Recent tragedies in Los Angeles County are heartbreaking reminders of what can happen when these dangerous explosives are set off. To anyone who manufactures, supplies, distributes, stores or sells illegal fireworks – you are breaking the law and my office stands ready to aggressively hold you accountable.”

The District Attorney’s Office’s Target Crimes Division filed charges on June 23 against four individuals who were allegedly in possession of 8,500 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives intended for distribution throughout Los Angeles County. In a different incident in South Los Angeles, four family members were charged on June 16 with possessing more than 5,000 pounds of fireworks in their home, putting children in danger. Hochman also cited a June 21, 2024, incident in which an anonymous tip led detectives to a storage unit in Gardena and the recovery of 75 tons (150,000 pounds) of illegal mortar-style fireworks.

The pre-Independence Day warning reflects the District Attorney’s Office’s broader commitment to holding offenders accountable and protecting communities. Hochman also warned that suppliers and distributors of illegal fireworks and explosives bear a special responsibility because their actions can endanger communities. Prosecutors and law enforcement agencies are working together to identify and dismantle illegal fireworks operations before they lead to preventable tragedies.

Possessing and lighting fireworks is illegal throughout L.A. County. Residents are encouraged to attend professionally conducted fireworks shows. Anyone who witnesses the transportation, sale or use of illegal fireworks and explosives is asked to call the BHPD at (310)550-4951, the West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station at (310)855-8850, and the LAPD at (877)ASK-LAPD, or visit wetip.com, which is monitored 24 hours by LAPD’s Major Crimes Division.