Behind the Badge
For the first time in 30 years, fireworks will be allowed in Anaheim on the Fourth of July — but only in certain parts of the city, and only on private property with the owner’s permission, and in apartment and association communities where permitted.
And, as always, only state-approved “safe and sane” fireworks will be allowed, Anaheim Fire & Rescue Chief Randy Bruegman said.
The fire chief spent time with Behind the Badge OC to discuss what the new city ordinance (the result of voter-approved Measure E) allows and what it doesn’t — and urged residents to visit Anaheim.net/fireworks for specific information.
State-approved fireworks go on sale June 28 at the Honda Center through July 4 and only can be discharged on the Fourth of July between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.
Anyone who shoots fireworks off outside of those hours faces fines and having their fireworks confiscated, Bruegman said.
Dangerous fireworks — those not bearing the white, circular logo of the state fire marshal on the packaging — are not allowed anywhere, anytime. A first offense for being caught with them will cost $1,000, with each additional offense costing an additional $1,000.
All fireworks including the state-approved safe and sane type are forbidden in Anaheim east of the 55 Freeway and south of the 91 Freeway.
In other areas of the city, safe and sane fireworks only can be discharged on July 4th between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. Illegally discharging safe and sane fireworks will cost $500 for first-time offenders, with the fine going up $500 for each additional offense.
Dangerous fireworks (shown here) are not permitted for use on the 4th of July, but the city of Anaheim is allowing residents to purchase safe and sane ones for the first time in 30 years.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Legal fireworks are banned in public parks, community centers and commercial and industrial property — and aren’t allowed on public streets.
“The concern that the fire service always has had with fireworks is twofold: one is the potential for them to cause structural fires or to spark wildland fires; two, we see significant injuries that often occur, especially with dangerous fireworks, but injuries also can occur with safe and sane fireworks if they are used improperly,” Bruegman said.
Fireworks especially are worrisome with the state in the grips of its fourth year of a serious drought.
“That’s a real concern for us this year,” Bruegman said.
Dangerous fireworks include any that go airborne or discharge a flame longer than 8 inches or throw sparks more than 10 feet from the device itself.
“Airborne fireworks can travel a few hundred feet,” Bruegman noted. “Once they launch, you don’t know where they’re going to end up.”
Anaheim Fire & Rescue and the Anaheim Police Department, as well as city code enforcement officers, will be very active on the Fourth of July and the fire department will staff up its suppression crews, Bruegman said.
The city of Anaheim is permitting the use of safe and sane fireworks in certain parts of the city on the 4th of July for the first time in 30 years.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Lt. Eric Trapp, of the Anaheim PD, said: “Our officers wish all Anaheim residents and guests a happy and safe Fourth of July. Everyone enjoys fireworks, but it is important to use them in a safe way — and never use dangerous fireworks.”
Added Bruegman: “We want the Anaheim community to celebrate with care to ensure the safety of all of our residents and guests.”
Safe and sane fireworks will be available for purchase at the Honda Center, 2695 E. Katella Ave., on June 28 from noon to 10 p.m., June 29 to July 3 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. To report illegal fireworks, call 714-765-1900 and in case of a fire or medical emergency call 911.
The safe and sane logo on the packaging seen in this picture indicates fireworks that are allowed to be used between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 4th in designated parts of the city.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
Anaheim Fire Chief Randy Bruegman discusses the city’s new ordinance that allows residents to use authorized fireworks for 4th of July celebrations in certain areas of the city.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
These are among “safe and sane” fireworks.
Photo by Christine Cotter/Behind the Badge OC
