ATF Promotes A Safe July 4th Celebration

LOS ANGELES, July 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of the Los Angeles Field Division for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), encourages Southern California residents to be safe and responsible during Fourth of July celebrations.

"We want to remind those who are planning on celebrating the Fourth of July holiday to do so in a safe environment that is free of illegal fireworks to avoid injuries," Torres said. "Additionally, the unlawful manufacture, sale, receipt and storage of illegal explosive devices and display fireworks can result in federal criminal charges."

ATF is responsible for investigating the illegal manufacture, sale and storage of explosive devices referred to as M-80s, Silver Salutes, M-1000s, among others. ATF works with other federal agencies, such as the Consumer Products Safety Commission, to investigate trafficking of these illegal explosives. Although M-80 type devices are not fireworks, they are sold unlawfully at this time each year. These illegal explosive devices are very dangerous and lead to thousands of injuries and many deaths.

In 2007, ATF investigated 80 criminal cases involving display fireworks and illegal M-80 type explosive devices. Criminal acts involving detonations of fireworks-based explosives were investigated on 12 occasions. Fourteen investigations involved illegal distribution, storage or manufacturing of fireworks. Forty-one cases involved fireworks-based IEDs. Other cases involved the theft, loss or disposal of explosives, and criminal acts determined to be violations of state laws, among others. Additionally, ATF responded to hundreds of requests for assistance from state and local law enforcement in fireworks-related investigations.

ATF is the federal agency charged with enforcing federal explosives laws. ATF actively works with other federal, state and local law enforcement partners and with the explosives industry to prevent the illegal sales and purchases of regulated fireworks by unlicensed persons.

The public is urged to report illegal sales of professional-grade, display fireworks by unlicensed persons or M-80 type explosives to ATF by calling toll free at 1-888-ATF-BOMB.