As Independence Day draws nearer, Gardena is getting ready for the annual fireworks displays and the problems that they have caused the city over the years.
During a special assembly held June 10 at the Nakaoka Center, Gardena police outlined several measures it will take to curb the use of illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.
As Independence Day draws nearer, Gardena is getting ready for the annual fireworks displays and the problems that they have caused the city over the years.
During a special assembly held June 10 at the Nakaoka Center, Gardena police outlined several measures it will take to curb the use of illegal fireworks this Fourth of July.
Capt. Thomas Kang of the Gardena Police Department said the department will be operating at maximum deployment. In previous years, Gardena police have had as many as 12 officers deployed just for fireworks violations but this year, that number will double to 24 due to requests by local residents who have had to endure an ever-increasing instances of illegal fireworks use.
Kang said several officers will be undercover in the communities of Gardena in order to track violators. Gardena’s city-wide camera system will also be employed so that the officers will be able to see exact locations of illegal fireworks activity. These measures, according to Kang, will allow them to cite, fine, and confiscate any illegal fireworks.
Anyone caught using illegal fireworks could face a fine of at least $200.
Kang expects they will be getting more citations because they will be starting their deployment earlier and they are staying later past July 4, will continue enforcement until July 6.
Along with the aforementioned measures, Gardena police will be working closely with local businesses as well as with the Gardena branch of the Los Angeles County Fire Department to educate people about illegal fireworks use.
TNT Fireworks, one of the fireworks companies that will be open for business in Gardena during this fireworks season, distributed a booklet outlining all of the fireworks laws so that residents will be aware of the differences between legal and illegal fireworks.
Kang said that legal fireworks that are “safe and sane” include fireworks that are ground-based and do not shoot into the sky. This means that bottle rockets, roman candles, and other air-borne fireworks are not allowed.
In addition to local businesses and the local branch of the fire department, Gardena police will also be working with a local task force comprised of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and other police agencies. The task force will cover all of L.A. County and will alert Gardena police when they encounter any illegal fireworks activity in or near Gardena.
Last year, the 20-officer task force confiscated more than two tons of illegal fireworks and are hoping to get the same amount or more this year.
Kang expects more citations and confiscations because they will begin enforcement measures a week before Independence Day and will continue enforcement until July 6.
Because of the dangerous nature of handling fireworks, the fire department is urging residents to only light the fireworks on private property such as on the sidewalk in front of their residence or in their driveways, and not in the middle of the street.
Safe and sane fireworks will be sold in Gardena during the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. beginning on June 28 and will continue to be sold until July 4.
As for when residents can light their fireworks purchases, Kang said the lighting of fireworks will only be allowed on July 4 between the hours of noon and 10 p.m.
