Safe Celebration of the Fourth of July
June 16, 2022 11:36 AM
by Joe Cavin, Abby Butikofer
Summer is upon us in Santa Monica, and with summer come lots of celebration! As everyone gears up for Independence Day weekend, the City of Santa Monica would like to remind all of some important guidelines when it comes to celebrating the 4th of July:
Fireworks
Fireworks are not permitted within the City of Santa Monica. City of Santa Monica Fire Code 5601.1.3 states that "All fireworks shall be illegal in the City of Santa Monica including California State Fire Marshal "Safe and Sane" fireworks. No person shall possess, transport, sell or offer for sale any such fireworks." Fireworks may not be used in Santa Monica even if they are legal in the city in which they are purchased.
The Santa Monica Fire Department reiterates that possession of fireworks is considered a misdemeanor and may be punishable up to a $1,000.00 fine and/or 6 months in jail. Please remember that discharging firearms into the air is also a felony and is punishable by a year in state prison.
Firework Safety Facts
- Sparklers account for roughly a quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries.
- More than 19,500 reported fires are started by fireworks annually.
- Burns account for 44% of the 9,100 injuries treated in emergency rooms seen in July.
- Half of fireworks injuries seen at emergency rooms are injuries to the extremities, such as a hand, finger, or leg. A third of firework injuries are to the eye or the head.
- Children ages 10–14 have the highest rate of fireworks injury, with more than 36% of victims of fireworks injuries under age 15.
Firework Shows in Los Angeles
While Santa Monica does not host firework shows, Los Angeles offers many options to still participate in this Independence Day tradition. See the locations and dates of LA-based fireworks here and here.
Great Spots to View LA Fireworks from Santa Monica
Fortunately, you don't have to leave Santa Monica to witness many of the LA fireworks lighting the sky! The following is a list of great spots to catch the rockets' red glare:
- Atop the Pacific Park Ferris wheel on Santa Monica Pier
- On Santa Monica State Beach
- The Santa Monica Place dining deck
- The Annenberg Community Beach House
- Any of the restaurants on Ocean Avenue
Harnessing that Patriotic Spirit
Of course, fireworks aren't the only way to celebrate our nation's independence. Here is an incomprehensive list of family-friendly ways to celebrate the Fourth of July sans fireworks:
- Attend or participate in Santa Monica's Fourth of July Parade
- Light up glow sticks, a safe alternative to sparklers
- Have a Fourth of July pancake breakfast topped with strawberries, blueberries, and whipped cream
- Sing your favorite patriotic songs
- Spend the day with loved ones reflecting on what it means to you to be an American
- Throw a birthday party for the USA, including cake
Authored By
Joe Cavin
Fire Marshal
Abby Butikofer
Admin Intern