As World Cup enthusiasts across the valley and Los Angeles celebrated Mexico’s 2-0 win against Ecuador Tuesday, June 30, some local celebrations became dangerous, with a Pacoima street takeover and illegal fireworks being detonated despite warnings from the LA Fire Department about the risk of fire and personal injury.
The LA Police Department made a strong announcement last week that those selling, igniting or transporting illegal fireworks would face aggressive criminal prosecution. Wildfires are most often caused by human activity.
Some customers at the Truman House Tavern near Brand Avenue on the San Fernando Mall grew concerned shortly after the game ended, when they said three consecutive fireworks explosions went off, with the third one bursting next to the storefront. The scene they described was both celebratory and chaotic, with cars driving through the outside mall honking and waving flags and people dancing on the sidewalk amid a backdrop of illegal fireworks in the sky.
In nearby Pacoima, at least two people were arrested during a dangerous street celebration near Haddon Avenue and Van Nuys Boulevard, where large crowds gathered watching vehicles doing donuts. The cars were circling right next to the crowd, with some passengers hanging out of the cars’ windows and some spectators even jumping onto the spinning cars. The crowd cheered as illegal fireworks were set off in the middle of the street.
LAPD cars blocked off the area and police wearing riot gear formed skirmish lines to disperse the crowd.
The public has been urged repeatedly by law enforcement and elected officials to celebrate their team but not by participating in dangerous street takeovers or by using illegal fireworks.
Also, in anticipation of the Fourth of July holiday, prosecutors said there will be targeted enforcement throughout the city and county of LA. Police are boosting patrols, using aerial drones, undercover operations and surveillance to track down illegal fireworks. They warn that fines have been increased, even for misdemeanors, and can range from $500 to $50,000 and a year in county jail. Those more serious violations, including bulk distribution and modified explosives, are considered a felony and can lead to multi-year prison sentences.
All fireworks, including those sold as “Safe and Sane,” purchased at stands in independent cities, are illegal in the city of LA.