PASADENA, Calif. — Charles Hawes is one of dozens of Pasadena firefighters who on Friday sprayed thousands of gallons of wildland fire retardant, also known as Phos-Chek, in the communities around the Rose Bowl.
Its a full day’s work that only happens once a year for the Fourth of July holiday, but its necessary as the Rose Bowl will be home to one of the largest fireworks displays in Southern California.
“A lot of preparedness comes into this. Happy to be here, it keeps us busy,” Hawes said.
Hawes sprayed the brush areas surrounding the stadium in an effort to keep the dry, drought-stricken trees and grassland from burning in case a fire breaks out.
Captain Daniel Nausha, who helped oversee the process, said the Phos-Chek prevents erratic fire activity and will last until the next rainfall, at which point it will essentially serve as a fertilizer.
He is concerned not only about the drought but the amount of people that have been collecting and setting off illegal fireworks throughout LA County.
“We hope everyone is safe. We did just see the huge incident with the fireworks blowing up, so we do see the hazard,” Nausha said.
Homeowners in the area are grateful for the preventative measures, but residents like Lauren Siegel, who has lived in Pasadena for four decades, are upset the fireworks show is moving forward at all.
“There are dead trees. I can see 20 dead trees in front of me, so it is completely unsafe. This putting this whole place in jeopardy,” Siegel said, adding that she is frustrated with the Rose Bowl’s decision.
She said she hopes the Phos-Chek will defend her neighborhood, but said more is needed to mitigate fire hazards amid the drought.
“It’s ridiculous that anywhere on the West Coast, from San Diego to Canada, that there are fireworks this year. It’s irresponsible,” Siegel said.
As for Hawes, he said prevention is their priority. After all it is his hometown too, and he is committed to ensuring communities are shielded while encouraging safe holiday activities for the weekend.
“Have fun, stay cool and just stay away from fireworks,” Hawes said.