Measure FW fails, no fireworks in Carson this Fourth of July – Daily Breeze

This Fourth of July, fireworks will once again be banned in Carson.

A little more than a month ago, some residents were hoping to bring back the booming tradition with a special ballot measure that would have allowed celebrants to use “safe and sane” fireworks within the city.

But Measure FW failed by more than 1,500 votes during the June 2 election.

Had it passed, the measure would have allowed “up to 12 permitted temporary stands, and use of ‘safe and sane fireworks’ (as defined in state law) within the City during specified dates and times around the Fourth of July season, with a prohibition on ‘dangerous fireworks’ (as defined by state law) subject to specified exceptions.”

The ballot measure came about last year after the city implemented a ban on all fireworks in light of the 2025 Los Angeles County fires in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena.

“Fireworks increase the risk of ignition and spread of fires in the City, which is particularly troubling given the recent Los Angeles County firestorm event that occurred in January of 2025, wherein entire communities were destroyed by the Eaton and Palisades fires,” says the 2025 city ordinance. “Fireworks also pose a significant risk of bodily injuries and property damage in the City, with numerous severe injuries caused by fireworks in Los Angeles County every Fourth of July season. Fireworks activity can significantly increase the demand on law enforcement, fire protection and emergency medical services, diverting resources from other critical public safety needs.”

Under the ordinance, violators receive fines of $2,000 for the first offense, $3,000 for the second offense and $5,000 for the third offense. The city even implemented a reward system, offering up to $500 to those who report the use of fireworks.

The city issued nearly 100 citations during the 2025 Fourth of July season, said Carson Mayor Lula Davis-Holmes.

“It’s time to look at other ways of celebrating holidays without fireworks,” she said in a recent phone interview. “There’s no such thing as safe fireworks. We’re going to do whatever it takes until some of these people understand that we’re serious.”

While many people want to preserve the longtime tradition of fireworks during the Fourth of July, a large number of Measure FW supporters also expressed concerns about fundraising for nonprofits. Local community groups have historically made more than $1 million combined each year from firework sales in Carson, according to the ballot measure description.

“For us, ‘Safe & Sane’ fireworks are about much more than just a 4th of July celebration — they’re how we take care of our community,” Virgil Tolentino, with the Kayumanggi Lions Club, said in a statement in support of Measure FW. “The money raised goes right back into Carson, funding free lunches for our seniors and college scholarships for local students.”

Other supporters of Measure FW included the Filipino Community of Carson, Arise Family Fellowship, Knights of Columbus, Carson Christian Center, Gilbert Lindsey Legion Post 352 and the Carson High Booster Club.

“The fireworks stand was our biggest fundraiser and moneymaker for our club,” Diana Fleming, with the Carson High Booster Club, said in a statement in support of Measure FW. “The Carson High Booster Club has had the TNT firework stand since October 1973. All the proceeds from the sales gave students an opportunity to receive scholarships, purchase trophies for school sports, covered fees for team competitions, and paid the cleaning cost for the School Band’s uniforms. It helped with purchasing PE uniforms for students that were not able to cover the cost. In previous years, it helped cover the cost of lights for the field and purchase snack bar equipment.”

Davis-Holmes, however, said these groups need to find alternative ways of fundraising.

“You’re affecting senior citizens, you’re affecting dogs, you’re affecting veterans – and all for what?” she said. “To make some profit for a few? My concern has always been and will be the safety of the residents of the city of Carson. I’m not willing to sacrifice someone losing their home or losing their life or losing an eye because of 12 nonprofits who want to make a profit.”

The city, however, is willing to help nonprofits and other community groups fundraise, Davis-Holmes said.

“My philosophy was, ‘Let’s teach you how to get other funding sources other than fireworks that are not as dangerous,’” she added. “There are other ways that they can raise money if they want to. If you’re talking about funding the schools, I think you need to think outside of the box.”

In lieu of fireworks, Carson will offer a free drone show on the Fourth of July for Carson residents at Dignity Health Sports Park. The event will begin with food and activities at 6:30 p.m., concluding with a drone show at 9:30 p.m. The city has resources for more than 5,000 attendees,Davis-Holmes said.

Attendees are not allowed to bring umbrellas, tents, tables, outside alcohol, pets, weapons, fireworks, flammable objects, mace, pepper spray or water guns.

“One spark can change a life forever,” Davis-Holmes said. “Let’s celebrate responsibly and keep Carson safe together.”