EPA Completes Removal of 150,000 Pounds of Illegally Stored Fireworks from City of Commerce Warehouse
LOS ANGELES, Calif. (Aug. 11, 2025) – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has successfully completed the removal of approximately 150,000 pounds of illegally stored fireworks from a City of Commerce warehouse, working in close coordination with state and local authorities to protect the health and safety of residents, communities, and response personnel.
"This year has been particularly busy for the seizure of illegal fireworks across California, highlighting the need for a coordinated approach to tackle these hazardous situations," said EPA Pacific Southwest Administrator Josh F.W. Cook. "We are proud to work closely with our state and local partners to resolve this dangerous situation safely and efficiently.”
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) had contacted EPA for assistance in disposing of the illegally stored fireworks after Cal Fire and Los Angeles County Fire were unable to seize and secure the materials due to storage facility backlogs. EPA identified the Potentially Responsible Parties and required them to hire contractors for hazardous substance removal, then stepped in to directly coordinate this removal to avoid risk of critical safety deadlines not being met.
EPA also arranged for temporary storage at the California State Fire Marshal's explosives facility in Mojave, CA, until the materials can be safely destroyed at an appropriate military facility with a controlled burn. Under EPA oversight, the materials were packaged for transport according to strict U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) hazard class requirements with special permits for explosive transport to ensure public safety.
This coordinated effort involved the California State Fire Marshal, Cal Fire, Los Angeles County Fire, local law enforcement, DOT, and California Highway Patrol. The successful removal of this hazardous materials threat demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated federal, state, and local response to protect communities and the surrounding environment.
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