Rose Bowl’s Fireworks-Free Fourth Draws PETA Praise—and Plea for Permanence

For Immediate Release:
April 2, 2025

Contact:
Nicole Perreira 202-483-7382

Will 2025 mark the start of a fireworks ban at the Rose Bowl? PETA hopes so! In thanks for the stadium’s announcement that, due to air quality concerns, this year’s Fourth of July celebration will feature drones instead of fireworks, PETA has sent a box of vegan chocolates to Jens Weiden, CEO and General Manager of the Rose Bowl Operating Company—along with a letter asking for the Rose Bowl to ban fireworks permanently.

In the letter, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman—a Pasadena resident who was forced to evacuate during the recent Eaton fire—points out that fireworks are notorious for starting wildfires, polluting the air, and being deeply distressing for wildlife, companion animals, and military veterans.

“Fireworks frighten birds out of their nests, send terrified dogs and cats running away from their homes, and start fires that can quickly turn devastating,” says Reiman. “PETA is celebrating the Rose Bowl’s kinder, greener Fourth of July celebration and urging organizers to keep Pasadena’s big party fireworks-free.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out thatEvery Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow the group on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Weiden follows.

April 1, 2025

Jens Weiden

CEO and General Manager

Rose Bowl Operating Company

Dear Mr. Weiden:

Hello! I’m writing to you as a Pasadena resident and on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—PETA entities have more than 9 million members and supporters worldwide, including hundreds of thousands in California, to thank you for canceling this year’s Fourth of July fireworks show and choosing to use drones instead. We strongly urge you to make this policy permanent, as forgoing fireworks helps protect the environment and allows wildlife, domestic animals, and veterans to experience a quieter, cleaner, and less stressful summer.

As you know, debris left scattered from fireworks litters the environment. Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals, and smoke in the air. Some of the toxins never fully decompose or disintegrate but rather linger in the environment, potentially poisoning those who come into contact with them. Fireworks can increase the amount of pollutants in the air by up to 42%.

Fireworks are also responsible for an average of 19,500 fires each year, and after I was forced to evacuate during the recent Eaton fire, I’m grateful for anything that helps reduce the risk of starting new fires. Fireworks also cause roughly $59 million in property damage in the U.S. each year and put companion animals and wildlife at risk. Terrified dogs often climb, break, or dig their way out of wherever they are as they try frantically to escape the chaos, resulting in increased intake at animal shelters, further straining community resources. More dogs and cats go missing between July 4 and 6 than on any other days of the year. Fireworks also scare wildlife into desperately trying to escape by running onto roads, where they can be hit by traffic, or abandoning their young.

Nearly 10,000 people visited emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries last year, and displays can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions. Veterans and others suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder can be deeply disturbed by the noise of the explosives and the smell of gunpowder. There’s no doubt that ditching fireworks is best for everyone. We hope your compassionate decision not to use them this year will be permanent and inspire other venues and cities to follow suit. In appreciation of your decision, we’re sending a delicious box of vegan chocolates for you and your staff to enjoy. Thank you for your consideration. We look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman

Executive Vice President