LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Fireworks displays marking the 245th anniversary of the nation's independence will be held throughout Los Angeles County Sunday evening with fire officials pleading with the public to attend and not shoot off their own pyrotechnics.

The use of illegal fireworks soared last year with shows canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic. There were about 6,000 calls about illegal fireworks to the Los Angeles Police Department on July 4, 2020, a 72% increase from the previous year.

What You Need To Know

  • Citing the risk of fire, injury and death caused by fireworks, Los Angeles area fire officials are pleading with the public to not shoot their own pyrotechnics and instead visit professional shows

  • "All fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles. There are no exceptions," Los Angeles Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas said

  • The Los Angeles Police Department in 2020 saw a 72% increase in calls for illegal fireworks, which reached about 6,000e

  • Those who are caught using fireworks can face a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months

Los Angeles County Fire Department firefighters responded to 39 incidents "directly related and sparked by fireworks" during the week before and the week after the Fourth of July last year, including a fireworks explosion in Baldwin Park that left two dead, said acting Deputy Chief Vince Pena.

There were also 14 people injured by fireworks in incidents county fire crews reported to on Independence Day 2020, including hand injuries that caused amputations and disfigurement, Pena said.

People caught using fireworks in Los Angeles can face misdemeanor charges punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and imprisonment for up to six months.

Organizers are billing the 95th annual AmericaFest at the Rose Bowl as Southern California's biggest fireworks show, with more than a ton of fireworks planned to be used.

The theme for AmericaFest is "Celebrating America's Perseverance." It will include a tribute to the nearby Jet Propulsion Laboratory for the landing of NASA's Perseverance rover on Mars and honor veterans, active-duty and fallen military personnel.

Sen. Alex Padilla, D-California, will thank frontline workers who have been essential throughout the pandemic and highlight the strength and resiliency of America's communities.

AmericaFest will begin at 6:30 p.m. with the TNT Freestyle Motocross thrill show. It will also include musical performances by the soul singer Mendelyev, a contestant on the fall 2019 season of the NBC singing competition "The Voice," and pop singer Haylee Joe.

The fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m.

The Rose Bowl parking lots will open at 3 p.m. and stadium gates at 5:30 p.m.

General admission tickets are $20, while reserved seating is $40. Children under 5 are admitted free to the general admission section while children under 2 are admitted free to the reserved section.

Marina del Rey's long-running fireworks show has been reduced to 10 minutes from the customary 20. Admission to Burton Chace Park is limited to people who have made reservations, which are no longer available.

The show can be seen from Fisherman's Village, Venice Pier, Playa Vista and Dockweiler Beach.

A waterfront fireworks show will be held in Long Beach beginning at 9 p.m. Free viewing areas include Shoreline Village, Lions Lighthouse for Sight and Rainbow Harbor.

Glendale's "Jewel City Sparkles" fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. and be centered near Harvard Street and Brand Boulevard. It is billed as a celebration of the re-opening of downtown Glendale, with people urged to dine outdoors and shop before the show.

People going to Universal Studos Hollywood can witness a fireworks show synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic songs at 9 p.m.

Fireworks will also follow the concert by Kool & the Gang at the Hollywood Bowl and the Los Angeles Galaxy-Sporting Kansas City Major League Soccer game at Dignity Health Sports Park.

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Fireworks displays are also planned for 9 p.m. at:

  • Artesia Park, 18750 Clarkdale Ave.;
  • Calabasas High School, 22855 Mulholland Highway;
  • Cerritos High School, 12500 E. 183rd St.;
  • Rock quarry, 5008 Allen Drive, Irwindale;
  • Crescenta Valley High School, 2900 Community Ave., La Crescenta;
  • La Bonita Park, 1440 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra;
  • Library Park, 321 S. Myrtle Ave., Monrovia;
  • Palisades Charter High School, 15777 Bowdin St., Pacific Palisades;
  • Shepherd of the Hills Church, 19700 Rinaldi St., Porter Ranch;
  • Valencia Town Center, 24201 W. Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita;
  • South El Monte High School, 1001 N. Durfee Ave.;
  • South Gate Park, 4900 Southern Ave.;
  • Friendly Hills Country Club, 8500 S. Villaverde Drive, Whittier;
  • York Field, 9110 Santa Fe Springs Road, Whittier; and
  • Warner Center Park, 5800 Topagna Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills.