For 1st Time In Nearly 30 Years, Anaheim Allowing Residents To Buy Fireworks
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — For the first time in nearly 30 years, the city of Anaheim is selling fireworks and allowing residents to use them.
KCAL9's Brittney Hopper spoke to residents eager for the July 4th holiday to get here.
Bill Griffin has lived in Anaheim since the early 70's. He was one of many residents who came to the Honda Center to buy fireworks on Sunday. He said he was excited he can now buy and light fireworks off at his home come 4th of July.
"it's a celebration of being American and so we are always looking for good ways to do that and this is the perfect way," Griffin said.
The ban of fireworks in the city of Anaheim took place in 1986 after a major fire which destroyed homes and property.
Fifty-five percent of Anaheim's voters approved a measure allowing the city council to regulate the sale and use of fireworks.
Dave Ratliff was one of those voters..
"We always had to go to other cities to shoot them off. Or go buy them from somewhere else and shoot them off illegally which is what a lot of people did I know," Ratliff said.
The city, along with the fire department, are urging people to use the fireworks safely. Especially during the drought and dry conditions.
The Anaheim Fire Chief has expressed his concern and in a statement says, "Let's all remember to do our part and celebrate this Fourth of July with care."
Hopper showed a map of Anaheim designating which parts of the city are still off-limits to fireworks -- these include city parks, retail parking lots, public streets, industrial areas and most of East Anaheim, including the Anaheim Hills area.
Fireworks are permitted on private residential property, such as driveways, and they could also be allowed by some apartment or homeowners association communities.
The city has turned the Honda Centerinto the largest fireworks stand in California. It will be open all week including on the 4th of July. The city says most of the sales will support local non-profit organizations.
