Crews Douse Brush Near Rose Bowl With Fire Retardant Ahead Of Fourth Of July

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Fire crews in Pasadena Tuesday kicked off efforts to ensure a safe Fourth of July celebration by applying fire retardant in brush areas immediately surrounding the Rose Bowl, officials said.

The Pasadena Fire Department will spend the day coating the area with Phos-Chek, a clear, wild land retardant that helps keep trees and grassland from burning. The main ingredients of this annual, preventative application of fire retardant are phosphates and fertilizers and re-vegetate any burned wild land areas, according to fire officials.

About 14,000 gallons of Phos-Check will be sprayed around the Rose Bowl Stadium, which will host the 88th annual AmericaFest – one of the Southland’s largest Fourth of July Fire fireworks shows – on Friday.

Pasadena Fire Chief Calvin Wells told KNX 1070’s Jan Stevens that a professionally-produced fireworks show is the best – and safest – way to celebrate the holiday.

“Sometimes we hear about ‘safe and sane’ fireworks, but I’m here to tell you there’s nothing safe nor sane about the use of fireworks,” Wells said.

Pasadena fire and police officials also reminded the public of the city’s “zero tolerance” fireworks policy, which makes it illegal to sell, use or possess fireworks in Pasadena. Violators are subject to up to one year in jail and fines of up to $50,000, according to officials.