Pasadena police responded to 178 fireworks-related calls for service between Wednesday, July 1, and Sunday, July 5, according to a department enforcement report published Monday, July 7.
Officers seized fireworks and issued citations during the five-day period, the Pasadena Police Department said, though the agency did not release specific totals for either category.
The calls came after weeks of public warnings from Police Chief Gene Harris and Fire Chief Chad Augustin, who jointly announced the crackdown on June 15. That announcement pledged special joint patrols by police and firefighters before and during the holiday weekend. Parking enforcement officers also impounded vehicles illegally parked in hillside areas on Saturday, July 4, a measure aimed at reducing wildfire risk in the foothills.
All fireworks are illegal in Pasadena. That includes hand-held sparklers, which can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit according to the city's enforcement materials. The municipal code holds property owners and tenants responsible for allowing fireworks to be possessed, sold, or discharged on their property.
Penalties
Most violations are misdemeanors carrying up to one year in county jail and a fine of up to $1,000. Larger quantities can trigger felony charges with penalties of up to three years in state prison and fines reaching $50,000.
The City of Pasadena posted a reminder on its official account on Thursday, July 3, stating that all fireworks "put our community at risk" and directing residents to a reporting hotline. The city had publicized the enforcement effort more than two weeks before the holiday, signaling an aggressive posture that drew attention across Pasadena neighborhoods.
No year-over-year comparison data was included in the department's report, so it is unclear whether the 178 calls represent an increase or decrease from prior years.
How to report fireworks
Residents who witness illegal fireworks activity can call (626) 744-4241 or use the Pasadena CSC mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store.
