WATCH: Americans Defy California’s ‘Illegal’ Fireworks Ban in Glorious Display of Patriotism

Freedom-loving Americans in Los Angeles County ignored state and municipal government fireworks bans and put on a magnificent Fourth of July show, as seen in aerial footage.

The video: Local news station KTLA broadcast a live drone video of thousands of private fireworks exploding in the skies of Los Angeles on Saturday night and early Sunday morning. Too much freedom?: The particulate from the fireworks rendered the air hazardous in parts of Los Angeles County and Orange County on Sunday afternoon, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.
  • Philip Fine, deputy executive officer for planning and rules for the SCAQMD, said it was "one of our worst years for July 4 and July 5 fireworks episodes."
  • The Los Angeles Fire Department reported a nearly 25 percent increase in calls for service in the city on Saturday.
  • The Los Angeles County Fire Department reported almost a 40 percent increase in calls.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti at a press conference on Wednesday forcefully echoed a June 29 county order that prohibited fireworks displays in the name of stemming renewed spread of the novel coronavirus. 
  • "Gatherings of people you do not live with are not allowed," Garcetti said.
At a press conference on Thursday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom also said local governments should cancel their fireworks displays amid the pandemic. 

Many California municipalities altered their planned Independence Day celebrations to accommodate the state and local restrictions.
  • Napa replaced its real-life fireworks show with virtual display as well as an online pet costume competition.
  • But the city of Lancaster in Los Angeles County refused to alter its holiday plans other than by shooting the fireworks higher in the sky to increase their visibility.
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