July 4, 2020: the Verdugo Hills burned again, less than three years after the La Tuna Fire, L.A.s worst blaze in half a century. Illegal backyard fireworks started the last conflagration, seen here from Verdugo Mountain Park.
On average, 19,500 fires related to fireworks are reported to fire departments every year
Fireworks cost us $105 million in property damage annually
On average, 9,100 fireworks injuries send people to the hospital
Fireworks kill an average of five people a year, often children
There are no safe fireworks. Firecrackers account for more than 25 percent of all fireworks injuries.
If you see or hear illegal fireworks, and you know the location, call 311 or use the MyLA311 smartphone app. (Do not dial 911 unless you see someone being injured or at risk of immediate injury, or a fire or other emergency.)
If you have fireworks, and would like to dispose of them legally, you can turn them in to the Los Angeles Police Department, no questions asked: 1-877-ASK-LAPD (1 877 275 5273)
Consider attending public 4th of July celebrations, including safe and spectacular pyrotechnic displays at Warner Ranch Park, Hollywood Bowl, Starlight Bowl, Calabasas High School, Crescenta Valley High School or at Grand Park.