Late-night explosions have been rattling La Mesa neighborhoods this week, shaking nerves, spooking pets and cranking up concern as July 4 gets closer. Neighbors near Palm Avenue say the booms have turned into a grim little routine around midnight or later, with many people jolted awake by the blasts and wondering what exactly is going off outside.
According to ABC 10News, officers responded after a loud explosion was reported near Palm Avenue and Pasadena Avenue late Wednesday, and investigators determined that at least one of the bangs was related to fireworks. The outlet reports that La Mesa police have increased patrols throughout the city while detectives work to track down whoever is setting off the devices.
Neighbors told ABC 10News the blasts can be heard for blocks and have left both residents and their animals on edge. "You hear these booms, and you wake up wondering what it was," one resident said, as others described nights of repeated blasts that have shaken the area.
Police response and how to report
The city’s Community Notification page notes that the La Mesa Police Department uses NIXLE and other alert tools to reach residents and urges people to sign up for messages and updates. The City of La Mesa maintains the signup and alert information for community notifications.
Statewide context as the July 4 holiday nears
Local worries about fireworks line up with broader warnings from state officials, who have been sounding the alarm about illegal fireworks as Independence Day approaches. The Sacramento Bee reported that California fire officials say illegal fireworks have sparked wildfires and have urged the public to leave the shows to professionals.
How neighbors can protect themselves
If you hear suspicious blasts, keep pets indoors, secure windows and take video only if it is safe to do so. Call 911 for any fire or injury, and use La Mesa's non-emergency reporting channels or community alerts to report ongoing illegal firework activity so officers can investigate.
Many residents say they appreciate the extra officers on patrol and are hoping investigators can stop the late-night blasts before someone is hurt. La Mesa police are asking anyone with information or footage to share it with investigators through the department's usual reporting channels.
