The Pomona Police Department wants everyone to have a SAFE and LEGAL July 4th!
Fireworks are not permitted in the City of Pomona!
We would like to remind residents the use and ownership of fireworks is prohibited in the City of Pomona. This includes "Safe and Sane" fireworks and emergency signal devices used as fireworks. Statistics have shown a distinct increase in structure and vegetation fires around the 4th of July. In addition to the monetary loss of property due to fire, many fireworks-related injuries have been reported, especially for young children. An increase in firework-related fires and incidents may cause emergency responders to be tied up with preventable incidents and delay them from responding to ordinary day-to-day calls. The use of fireworks is prohibited in Pomona and possession of them will result in a fine. To report use of fireworks in Pomona, contact the Pomona Police Department at (909) 622-1241.
Fireworks citations carry hefty fines – or risk of serious felony arrests! Leave the fireworks to the professionals – take the family to a public celebration and enjoy the show. Don't ruin a great day by ending up with a fine or in the emergency room or in jail.
In general, if a firework explodes, flies, darts, or travels they are illegal in California. The penalties for using illegal fireworks include fines of $2,500 for a first offense. As a reminder, many of these fireworks violations are classified as felonies.
FIREWORKS: Under California Health and Safety Code Fireworks Penalties, Section 12700 states, “any person who violates any provision of the State Fireworks laws or Regulations is guilty of a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is punishable by a fine of not less than $500, but not to exceed $1,000 by imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, or both.” The penalties for possession or use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks can range from a fine up to $1,000 to confinement in a county jail for up to one year.
DANGEROUS FIREWORKS: Under California Health and Safety Code Fireworks Penalties, Section 12700(B) states, “a person in possession of unaltered dangerous fireworks in violation of the State Fireworks Law is punishable as a misdemeanor or a public offense with fines ranging from $500 to more than $50,000, depending on the gross weight of unaltered dangerous fireworks in possession.”
Each year thousands of people, many of them children, are burned, blinded, and even disfigured by fireworks. In addition, fireworks cause fires that cost us millions of dollars in property loss.
Please keep in mind this is an extremely busy holiday for the Pomona Police Department and Los Angeles County Fire Department. The Pomona Police Department will have special teams deployed to combat the use of illegal fireworks.
Fireworks by the numbers
• In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
• In 2013, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,400 people for fireworks related injuries; 55% of 2013 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 38% were to the head.
• The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.
• On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
Find a professional fireworks show near you!
Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
(Download a List of Locations for Fireworks Shows in Your Community)
(Download a copy of the notice in English and Spanish)
NOTE TO PARENTS: If your child has any fireworks prior to June 28th, the items are probably illegal and dangerous and should be turned over to your fire department! It is against the law to use, possess, store or sell “illegal fireworks.” State law provides for a fine of at least $500 and/or a year in jail upon conviction for violating fireworks laws. Some violations are a felony!
Fireworks cause many burns, injuries and fires. Violators can be held responsible for damages, as well as having to pay a fine and/or go to jail. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
The Pomona Police Department wishes everyone a fun, safe and Happy Independence Day!
