INGLEWOOD – The Inglewood City Council unanimously approved amending the Inglewood Municipal Code to prohibit the sale of fireworks and restrict the use or display of fireworks to City-Sponsored events or public displays at certain venues during the Feb. 18 city council meeting.
The City’s Fire Code (IMC Chapter 6, Article 1) currently permits the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks, however, their presence has contributed to enforcement challenges and the widespread use of illegal fireworks. According to the City, legal and illegal fireworks can appear similar, complicating the task of distinguishing between them.
The high volume of fireworks used during celebratory times can mask the usage of illegal ones, straining enforcement resources and complicating efforts to monitor specific violations. Additionally, public confusion over what constitutes legal versus illegal fireworks can lead to unintentional violations and a perception that all fireworks are acceptable. These factors pose significant safety risks, including fire hazards, personal injuries, and noise disturbances from unauthorized fireworks, according to the staff report published to the City’s website.
The City cites the recent wildfires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades as “demonstrating the possible dangers posed by combustible materials” despite neither fire being attributed to fireworks.
“In addition to fire hazards, fireworks contribute to environmental and quality-of-life concerns, including air pollution, noise disturbances, and negative impacts on vulnerable populations, such as seniors, veterans, and pets. Limiting fireworks to regulated events ensures that they are used safely and responsibly without compromising public well-being.”
During most city council meetings leading up to the annual 4th of July holiday, the council reminds the public to be mindful of fireworks as it causes loud noises that aggravate both residents and pets.
Typically, various Inglewood-affiliated nonprofits apply for fireworks permits to use as fundraisers for their respective organizations.
Residents came forward during the Feb. 11 city council meeting to voice their sentiments on the prohibition.
“Today I stand before you to address an issue that affects the safety, well-being, and harmony of our community. While fireworks may seem like a symbol of celebration I believe it is time we seriously consider prohibiting them for the greater good of the City,” said one resident. “They pose a significant safety risk and they are the leading cause of fires in densely populated areas like Inglewood.”
Patricia Sanchez, a block captain and city commissioner, spoke in support of banning fireworks.
“I am here to support the ban on selling and the use of fireworks and this is way long overdue as they cause destruction in our daily lives and are a fire hazard and scare our precious pets,” said Sanchez.
Gregory Sneed also expressed his support of the prohibition of fireworks saying it is “common sense” they are banned.
“Sometimes fireworks can be mistaken for explosives and therefore I support the ban so we can return to peace and quiet,” said Sneed.
Several representatives of local nonprofits spoke against the ban as they derive income from safe and sane fireworks stands for operating costs.
“We have been doing this for years and it is one of our biggest fundraisers to be able to do things in Inglewood for the homeless and veterans and it seems that those fireworks don’t go over six feet and to me, it doesn’t look like it can reach a rooftop,” said Ronnie Tommsick, president of the Inglewood Rotary Club. “If you take that away it will drop a lot of income from organizations that want to do things for the community.”
John Kelly, vice-president of TNT Fireworks, also spoke in support of the ten organizations that received firework stand permits last year.
“Speakers ahead of me have made the distinction between safe and sane fireworks and illegal fireworks by state law safe and sane may not travel more than 10 feet high and 10 feet wide and may not explode uncontrollably on the ground,” said Kelly. “Illegal products are brought in primarily from Pahrump, Nevada, and federal reservation in the south of Arizona and New Mexico.”
According to Kelly, statistics from Los Angeles County Fire Department from 2011-2022 there were three incidents with safe and sane fireworks during that time period.
“Under the City’s current ordinance, safe and sane fireworks are only allowed to be used one afternoon and evening a year and only allowed to sell for four days, the rest of the year is an illegal problem.”
One resident asked to hear from the Inglewood Police Department on the matter which the city council collectively declined.
Ordinance 25-05 will take effect in 30 days.