Fourth of July Fireworks Illegal in Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS — For many, lighting Fourth of July fireworks is a tradition, almost a rite of passage. But paying homage to this annual practice could land you in a heap of trouble here.

The Palm Springs Fire Department reminds both residents and visitors that all fireworks, including “Safe and Sane,” are illegal in Palm Springs.

“Each year during the Fourth of July holiday, firefighters respond to fires and injuries that simply don’t need to occur,” Fire Chief Kevin Nalder said in a prepared statement. “Fireworks in untrained hands are a terrible accident waiting to happen.”

Safe and Sane fireworks that are sold to the public only refer to fireworks that do not fly or explode such as sparklers, fountains, snake items and spinners, according to Nalder. He said parents are often unaware that the tip of a sparkler burns at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees and is capable of causing third-degree burns.

“As a result, all fireworks found in Palm Springs will be confiscated and anyone possessing fireworks will receive a citation,” Nalder said.

Cathedral City is one of four communities in the Coachella Valley that allows “Safe and Sane” Fourth of July fireworks to be ignited to celebrate Independence Day. The other communities are Desert Hot Springs, Indio, and Coachella.  They will be sold in Cathedral City this year beginning at noon on June 28 through midnight on July 4.

Instead, the Palm Springs Fire Department encourages residents and visitors to attend the city’s much loved “All American Fourth of July” fireworks spectacular at Palm Springs Stadium on Thursday, July 4th.

This year’s festivities will once again be held in conjunction with the Palm Springs Power baseball team, who will take the field at 6:05 p.m. against the Palm Springs Collegiate League All Stars. The game will be followed by the Fourth of July fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. sharp.

Admission to the show is free. It begins at 8 p.m.

For more information, call Palm Springs Parks and Recreation at (760) 323-8272.