Stay Safe and Sane this Fourth of July

City and Sheriff’s Department officials are encouraging residents to celebrate responsibly by using only fireworks approved and labeled by the State Fire Marshal as “Safe and Sane.”  The sale and use of “Safe and Sane” fire­works is legal in the City of Pico Rivera.

However, City and Sheriff’s Officials are discouraging those who discharge illegal fireworks. Individuals caught selling, storing, using or possessing illegal fireworks (firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky rockets, Roman candles, mortars, M-80s and cherry bombs as well as those that are not officially labeled “Safe and Sane.”) will be cited with a $1000 fine. Viola­tors will also be held responsible for any damage resulting from their use of illegal fireworks. Parents will be liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children’s use of ille­gal fireworks.

“Each year, we continue to hear our residents’ concerns about illegal fireworks and we are continuously working with our Sheriff’s Department on this issue to bring about a resolution” said City Manager Steve Carmona.  “We want all our residents to know we are doing what we can to mitigate this issue to ensure that our residents can enjoy the Independence Day Holiday safely and without the inconvenience and danger of illegal fireworks.”

The sale, distribution, and discharge of illegal fireworks is not a City specific issue, but a Countywide issue.  Last year, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies confiscated thousands of pounds of illegal fireworks throughout the County and subsequently issued the same amount in fines plus other penalties including jail time. 

Residents with questions about fire­works, or who wish to report the sale, distribution or use of illegal fireworks are asked to contact the Sheriff’s Pico Rivera Station at 562.949.2421 or download the City’s PRConnect App and simply put in a report via the City’s app.  All reports made either to the Sheriff’s Department or the City’s App are anonymous.

Keep Pico Rivera Clean

Residents are also encouraged to help clean up after their own fireworks celebrations or block celebrations.  Many streets are littered with debris from spent fireworks and it often takes days before it’s cleaned up by the street sweeper.  Help make our City look beautiful by picking up all the debris caused by any and all Safe and Sane fireworks during this Fourth of July Holiday.

Be Courteous of your Neighbors

As a reminder, while celebrating Independence Day can be a fun and an enjoyable experience, be sensitive to your neighbors.  Discharge fireworks during reasonable hours.  Many residents may have to work the next day.  Discharging fireworks at late hours is not only disruptive, but inconvenient to those who may have to get up early in the morning.  Also, be mindful of your pets as well as those of your neighbors. Finally, be respectful to our Seniors, individuals with PTSD, and adults and children with special needs.  Often times, loud noises are disruptive and sometimes harmful.