Fire officials are warning residents about fireworks dangers and heat risks as Independence Day celebrations approach with residents encouraged to take advantage of nearby celebrations or the always popular Main Street parade instead.
The Santa Monica Fire Department posted its annual reminder that all fireworks are illegal to use and possess in the city, including those labeled as "safe and sane." Violators face fines up to $1,000, up to six months in jail, or both.
"Nationally, there are more than 30,000 reported fires started by fireworks each year, and fireworks cause thousands of injuries annually," the fire department stated. "Even sparklers account for roughly a quarter of the emergency room firework visits."
California State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant warned that fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across the state since 2024, sparking 1,230 fires.
"It is your responsibility to prevent fires and injuries," Berlant said. "Don't let your Fourth of July celebration end in flames."
The American Red Cross urged residents to prepare for extreme heat during holiday celebrations, recommending people slow down outdoor activities and stay hydrated. Officials advised never leaving children or pets in vehicles alone and seeking air-conditioned spaces during the hottest parts of the day.
Pet safety emerged as a major concern, with animal shelters reporting 30% to 60% spikes in stray pet intakes during the holiday period. July 5 consistently ranks as one of the top three highest intake days for stray animals nationwide.
"Approximately 40% to 67% of dogs suffer from noise phobia, with fireworks and thunderstorms being primary triggers," according to national shelter data. Fireworks produce sound levels ranging from 150 to 175 decibels — louder than jet airplane takeoffs.
Best Friends Animal Society recommended pet owners bring all animals indoors before fireworks displays begin, providing quiet rooms with windows closed and curtains drawn.
For those seeking safe celebration alternatives, the Ocean Park Association will present the 19th Annual Santa Monica Fourth of July Parade on Friday at 9:30 a.m. on Main Street.
This year's theme, "Sesquicentennial," celebrates 150 years of cityhood. The parade will feature live music, local organizations, schools, classic cars and community leaders. Groups from Pacific Palisades will join after being unable to host their own celebration.
The 1.5-mile route will take participants from the Santa Monica Civic Center south toward Venice, turning west on Marine Street and north on Bernard Way before ending near Ocean Park Boulevard.
Participants include the Samohi Viking Marching Band, Dogtown Car Club, Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments, local schools and civic leaders. The parade grandstand will be located on Ocean Park Boulevard in front of the Santa Monica Public Library.
However, the celebrations will impact local transportation. Big Blue Bus will operate on a weekend schedule Friday, with multiple routes experiencing detours and delays.
Routes 1, 2, 8 and 9 will detour between 6:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. due to the Santa Monica parade. Route 3 will detour between 8:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for the Westchester parade. Routes 3 and 18 will experience detours between 1:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. for the Marina Del Rey fireworks show.
Main Street from Olympic to Marine will be closed from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m., with rolling closures on cross-streets from 4th Street to Neilson Way from 8 a.m. to noon.
Parking will be available in public lots west of Main Street and the Civic Center surface lot for a flat rate starting at 6 a.m.
For those who want to see fireworks, Marina Del Rey hosts a public show from 9 - 9:20 p.m. The Beach Club on the northern edge of the City has its own fireworks launched from its parking lot on July 5.