Illegal Fireworks Display Shuts Down LA's 6th Street Bridge

Unidentified group sets off commercial-grade pyrotechnics on iconic downtown structure, raising safety concerns.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

An elaborate, unauthorized fireworks display on the 6th Street Bridge in downtown Los Angeles prompted a response from firefighters on January 27th. Several people were seen unloading and setting off commercial-grade fireworks on the busy roadway, creating a dangerous situation for both pedestrians and drivers. The incident is the latest in a series of illicit events that have taken place on the newly-opened bridge, which has become a popular destination for social media content creators.

Why it matters

The 6th Street Bridge has become a magnet for risky stunts and illegal activities since its completion in 2022, raising concerns about public safety and the ability of authorities to monitor and control the structure. This fireworks display is the latest example of how the bridge is being misused, putting innocent people at risk and damaging the structure's reputation as an iconic Los Angeles landmark.

The details

In videos posted to social media, several people are seen unloading and setting off multiple commercial-grade fireworks on the 6th Street Bridge. The fireworks were placed directly on the roadway, with some being held up by traffic cones, as cars continued to drive over the bridge. The pyrotechnics display created a shower of sparks and smoke, forcing firefighters to respond and extinguish the remaining fireworks. No injuries were reported, but the incident highlighted the ongoing challenges authorities face in policing the bridge.

  • The fireworks display occurred on January 27, 2026.
  • Firefighters responded to the scene at 10:27 PM on January 27th and were on site for about 6 minutes.

The players

Karen Bass

The Mayor of Los Angeles, who condemned the fireworks display as a "reckless incident" that put people in danger.

Los Angeles Fire Department

Firefighters responded to the scene and extinguished the remaining fireworks on the 6th Street Bridge.

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What they’re saying

“The use of unpermitted, commercial-grade fireworks is dangerous and has no place on busy roadways.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles (latimes.com)

What’s next

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the incident and using "every available resource" to prevent similar events from happening again on the 6th Street Bridge.

The takeaway

The 6th Street Bridge has become a magnet for dangerous and illegal activities, putting public safety at risk and tarnishing the reputation of this iconic Los Angeles landmark. Authorities will need to increase monitoring and enforcement efforts to curb these types of incidents and restore the bridge's status as a safe and enjoyable public space.