City and Sheriff’s Department officials encourage 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 discourage those who discharge illegal fireworks within City limits. 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 $1,000 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, as part of a proactive campaign in collaboration with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department – Pico Rivera Station, efforts are made to reduce recurring residential disturbances. Last year, fifty-four citations were issued to residents and property owners involved in the discharge of illegal fireworks.
“The collaboration with our Sheriff’s Department and the number of citations issued last year is a clear sign that we are not tolerating illegal fireworks in the City,” said City Manager Steve Carmona. “The enforcement ensures that our residents can enjoy the Independence Day Holiday safely and without the inconvenience and danger of illegal fireworks.”
The Sheriff’s Department will again be patrolling Pico Rivera streets during the Fourth of July holiday in unmarked vehicles and recording individuals using illegal fireworks. A City Ordinance adopted in 2019 enforces administrative fines on anyone possessing, using, storing, selling, aiding, allowing, or displaying illegal fireworks. Property owners may also be held liable for damages or injuries caused by illegal fireworks. Repeat offenders may face fines of up to $1,500 for each offense.
The fines and citations issued serve as a reminder that not only can illegal fireworks result in expensive fines, but they can also cause severe injuries, fire risks, property damage, and strain emergency services, including fire departments, sheriff’s departments, and medical responders, diverting resources from other critical areas.
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 App and simply put in a report via the app. All reports to the Sheriff’s Department on the City’s App are anonymous.
