In a major operation, Cal Fire’s Office of the State Fire Marshal announced the seizure of over 100,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from a business in Commerce. The bust, which took place on Wednesday, is one of the largest in California’s history, according to ABC7. The fireworks were found in a warehouse on Tanager Avenue, where they were being stored illegally by a licensed fireworks importer/exporter.
The operation involved a collaboration between Cal Fire, the Los Angeles County Fire Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Task Force. The fireworks, stacked floor to ceiling, were loaded onto large rental trucks and transported to a safe storage facility.
As reported by NBC Los Angeles, the seizure comes ahead of the Fourth of July, a time when illegal fireworks usage typically increases. California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal fireworks, noting that fireworks-related incidents have caused over $4 million in property damage since January.
In California, only fireworks bearing the “Safe and Sane” seal are legal, and even these are restricted to certain communities. Fireworks that explode, fly, or move uncontrollably are prohibited. Violators can face fines up to $50,000 and up to one year in jail. The investigation into the licensee is ongoing, and authorities urge the public to report any illegal fireworks activity.
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