With today’s celebration of the July 4 holiday, the Santa Monica Fire and Police Departments is reminding the community that all types of fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Monica.
SMFD Fire Marshall Eric Binder said this included so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, which may not be used in Santa Monica even if they are legal in the city in which they are purchased.
He said the public is urged to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.
According to the 5615 Seizure of Fireworks:
— All fireworks shall be illegal in the City of Santa Monica including California State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane. The fire code official shall have the authority to seize, take and remove fireworks and/or safe and sane fireworks stored, sold, offered for sale, used or handled in violation of the provisions of Title 19 CCR, Chapter 6 and Health and Safety Code, Chapter 9. Exception: When permits are issued for such use.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, NFPA:
— In 2013, there were eight deaths and an estimated 11,400 consumers who sustained injuries related to fireworks. This is an increase from 8,700 injuries in 2012. Sixty-five percent, or 7,400, of the injuries in 2013 occurred in the 30 days surrounding July 4, 2013.
— Last year, children younger than age 5 experienced a higher estimated per capita injury rate than any other age group. Past reports indicate that consumers sometimes feel comfortable handing off to children fireworks devices perceived to be less powerful, such as sparklers and bottle rockets. In 2013, sparklers and rockets accounted for more than 40 percent of all estimated injuries.
