Don't Play with Fireworks, Santa Monica Fire Department Officials Remind Public

By Lookout Staff

June 29, 2018 -- Those who want to enjoy fireworks around Independence Day should head to Santa Monica College (SMC) Saturday instead of setting them off at home.

The Santa Monica Fire Department this week issued a reminder that all types of fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Monica.

"This includes 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," Fire Department officials said in a statement.

According to the City code, "No person shall possess, transport, sell or offer for sale" any fireworks.

Possession of fireworks is considered a misdemeanor punishable with up to $1,000 fine and/or six months in jail, Fire officials said.

"The public is urged to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals," officials said.

Santa Monica's annual “Celebrate America” festival will once again offer a fireworks extravaganza on the Saturday before the 4th of July ("Santa Monica College to Host 'Celebrate America' June 30," June 19, 2018).

The 35th annual celebration at SMC's Corsaid Field will feature "a dazzling fireworks show" by Rialto-based Pyro Spectaculars Entertainment, live music by the lively Top Shelf Brass Band and DJ Disco Shrine, organizer said.

The celebration has been Santa Monica’s sole fireworks display after the City’s evening fireworks at the Pier, which drew hundreds of thousands of spectators, were scrapped in the late 1980s due to traffic and safety concerns.

Parking lots for the festivities open at 4 p.m. (enter at Pico Blvd. and 17th St.), with Corsair Field gates opening at 5 p.m.

Entertainment begins at 6 p.m. The fireworks are scheduled at 9 p.m.

The event is free (donations are welcome), and parking is $5. See the Celebrate America website or call (310) 434-3001.

Celebrate America is presented by SMC and sponsored by the City, Santa Monica Pier, Halton Pardee+Partners and Associated Students of Santa Monica College.