DOWNEY - An estimated 6,000 people enjoyed the city-sponsored July 4 fireworks at Downey High School.The event took place inside the football stadium and featured live entertainment, game booths, bouncers and, the main attraction, a 20-minute fireworks show. "It was great to be able to provide our community with a safe alternative to celebrate our country's Independence Day," said Mayor Luis Marquez. "Thank you to all of those who worked hard to help make this event a great success." The holiday was a busy one for Downey firefighters, who responded to four fires possibly sparked by illegal fireworks. Among the blazes reported Monday night and into Tuesday morning: a 60-ft. pine tree at Lubec Street and Tweedy Lane caught fire; a "minor" brush fire at Lakewood Boulevard and Gallatin Road; a brush fire along with 105 Freeway; and a tree fire on the 12000 block of Paramount Boulevard, which spread to the roof of a nearby apartment complex, prompting a temporary evacuation. According to Battalion Chief Bruce English with the Downey Fire Department, firefighters had confiscated illegal fireworks from the apartment complex about one hour before the fire broke out. Illegal fireworks are suspected to have caused most of the fire, although firefighters can't prove it. "At this point, it's speculation," English said. Between 7:30 a.m. on July and 7:30 a.m. Tuesday, firefighters responded to 26 calls for service, including nine incidents during the 9 p.m. hour.

********** Published: July 7, 2011 - Volume 10 - Issue 12