Lawn signs to discourage illegal fireworks use
Published on June 18, 2024
The City of Lakewood is continually looking for new ways to discourage the relatively few residents who use skyrockets, explosives and other illegal fireworks that are very dangerous in a crowded residential community like Lakewood.
Illegal fireworks have caused fires in residential homes in Lakewood and other communities, often from embers falling from skyrockets shot off several blocks away that slowly burn on home roofs unnoticed by anyone for hours.
New last year, the city designed and purchased signs (shown above) in patriotic colors that residents can get, for free, to place on their lawn with a message against the use of illegal fireworks.
To get a sign, call City Hall at 562-866-9771, ext. 2140 or email Service1@lakewoodcity.org. You can then come by City Hall to pick up your free sign and metal stand to go in your lawn.
Lakewood is known throughout our region as a city that takes the strongest possible measures to combat the use of illegal fireworks, including:
- Issuing citations for illegal fireworks use, with a fine package that was increased in recent years to rise above $2,000.
- Hiring extra law enforcement personnel to patrol city streets on and before July 4.
- Undercover operations to target the sale of illegal fireworks.
- Prohibiting block parties for three years if illegal fireworks have been used on that block.
“The problem of illegal fireworks use has grown in recent years throughout California and the nation, and it doesn’t matter whether a community allows or disallows the use of safe-and-sane fireworks,” said Lakewood City Manager Thaddeus McCormack. “The problem of illegal fireworks is the same in both types of communities.
“Lakewood residents can have a lot of fun with safe-and-sane fireworks,” said McCormack, “and you won’t risk harming veterans, pets and neighbors in the process. Safe-and-sane fireworks are approved by the state fire marshal and do not go in the air, explode or have sound that travels far. Please do your part to help, so our community can have a safe and peaceful July 4th holiday.”