Reminder: Fireworks Are Illegal in Arcadia

While most locals are aware of the city's firework ban, the Arcadia Fire Department issued a strongly-worded press release this week to remind residents of the dangers inherent in firework use.

The department cites some scary statistics in the reminder, including that in 2009, fireworks were the culprit in 18,000 reported fires. Children ages 10 to 14 have the highest risk of injury, according to the release.

Here's the fire department's official release:

ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN THE CITY OF ARCADIA

“Safe and Sane” fireworks are neither safe nor sane. When things go wrong with fireworks, they typically go very wrong, very fast.  Fireworks are particularly attractive to children.  If children are present to watch, they may be tempted to touch.  Children can be badly hurt in the blink of an eye if they are close to fireworks, as they inevitably are at home fireworks displays.

On July 4th alone, reported fireworks fires are roughly twice as numerous as the daily average of all types of reported fires combined.  On July 4th, when fireworks use is at its peak, fireworks account for more than half of all reported fires and are a leading cause of related property loss.  However, because most people encounter fireworks once a year, many do not realize how great the threat of personal injury or property loss really is.

According the National Fire Protection Agency, in 2009, fireworks caused an estimated 18,000 reported fires; including 1,300 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in 30 civilian injuries and $38 million in direct property damage. The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 10-14, with more than twice the risk for the general population.

ALL FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL IN THE CITY OF ARCADIA

Arcadia Municipal Code 3124.8: No person shall use, light, fire, discharge, explode, set off, sell, display for sale, possess, store, or manufacture any fireworks, including so-called “Safe and Sane” fireworks, anywhere within the City except as provided by the Municipal Code and approved by the Fire Chief.