As fireworks pose a significant wildfire threat in Southern California, Los Angeles authorities are conducting sting operations to crack down on those who are trying to sell high-powered explosive from out of state.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department has been trying to track down suspected fireworks sellers by going on social media and posing as potential buyers.

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During Wednesday's operation, deputies cornered a person's car at a gas station in Paramount after learning the suspect was trying to sell illegal fireworks.

When they opened the person's trunk, they found a load of illegal fireworks.

 It's actually more common than you'd think,  Allan Mata with the sheriff's department said. There are a lot of people selling illegal fireworks, and they're really easy to find. 

When deputies detained the person in Paramount, it was clear to them that the suspect was trying to sell fireworks.

 They also recovered a personal weapon, which was a taser and some brass knuckles,  Sgt. Miguel Meza with the sheriff's department said.

In the last two weeks, the sheriff's department said it's recovered more than 3,000 pounds of illegal explosives and arrested at least 49 for selling them.

 Fireworks are cool, yes, we all understand that. However, there is a danger to these type of fireworks,  Mata said, adding two weeks ago, someone lost a hand while trying to light illegal fireworks.

 A lot of homes are catching on fire as well,  Mata warned.

Those who are caught trying to sell the explosives can receive a fine up to $5,000 in LA County.

The LA County Sheriff's Department hopes the sting operations will send a strong message that illegal fireworks are not tolerated in the county.

 We really care about the safety of not only for ourselves, but the residents who live in the community,  Mata said.

California officials have said fireworks have sparked more than 1,200 fires and caused over $30 million in property damage since 2024.

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