Palmdale Warns Illegal Fireworks Carry Strict Enforcement and Hefty Fines

PALMDALE, CA – As Palmdale prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the City is reminding residents that illegal fireworks are prohibited and will be met with strict enforcement, significant fines and possible criminal charges.

Illegal fireworks are those that do not bear the California State Fire Marshal’s Safe and Sane designation. This includes devices that shoot into the air or explode, and they are illegal anywhere in the City of Palmdale.

The City’s Public Safety department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department and Code Enforcement officers will be out in force to curb the use and sale of illegal fireworks in Palmdale. Anyone caught using, selling, possessing, allowing or spectating illegal fireworks may face citations beginning at $2,500 for a first offense, $5,000 for a second offense and $10,000 for a third offense. Multiple violations may result in cumulative fines totaling $17,500, and criminal charges may also be pursued in serious cases.

“America’s 250th is a milestone worth celebrating, but illegal fireworks are not part of a safe celebration,” said Palmdale Mayor Eric Ohlsen. “We want residents to enjoy this historic Independence Day by following the rules, using only Safe & Sane fireworks where permitted and understanding that illegal fireworks will result in strict enforcement.”

Safe & Sane fireworks, which bear the seal of the California State Fire Marshal and do not fly or explode, may only be used in incorporated Palmdale from noon on Sunday, June 28 through noon on Sunday, July 5, and only in areas where fireworks are permitted.

No fireworks of any kind, including Safe & Sane fireworks, may be used in the Anaverde development, areas south of the California Aqueduct or the following designated No Fireworks Zones:

• South and west of Rancho Vista Boulevard, north to Avenue N-8

• South and west of Avenue N-8 from Rancho Vista Boulevard to 55th Street West

• South of 55th Street West to 60th Street West/Godde Hill Road

• West of 55th Street West

In addition, no fireworks of any kind are allowed in any unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County, including county pockets within Palmdale city limits. Residents should check the City’s fireworks mapbefore using Safe & Sane fireworks to confirm whether they are in an area where fireworks are allowed.

Safe & Sane fireworks booths, operated by approved local nonprofit organizations, will open at noon on Sunday, June 28 and remain open through noon on Sunday, July 5. The booths are the only authorized locations for residents to purchase fireworks for Fourth of July celebrations in Palmdale.

“Fireworks can be incredibly dangerous when used illegally or in restricted areas,” said Mayor Pro Tem Austin Bishop. “If you plan to use Safe & Sane fireworks, check the map first, respect No Fireworks Zones and keep safety top of mind. Illegal fireworks put people, pets and property at risk, and they will not be tolerated.”

A map of authorized Safe & Sane booth locations and No Fireworks Zones can be found at www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/IllegalFireworks.

To report illegal fireworks happening now at a known location, call the Palmdale Sheriff’s Station at 661-267-2400.

To report habitual or repeat offenders with known addresses, call Palmdale Code Enforcement at 661-267-5234 or report online at www.CityOfPalmdaleCA.gov/ReportIllegalFireworks.