Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted out a video of an exploding watermelon in order to promote firework safety ahead of July 4, but not everyone took the advice.
“#Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles and even small ones can cause a lot of damage,” he wrote on Monday. “This watermelon was completely destroyed by a firework the size of a stick of gum.”
#Fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles and even small ones can cause a lot of damage.
This watermelon was completely destroyed by a firework the size of a stick of gum.
? This #FourthOfJuly be safe, find a professional show near you: https://t.co/gow9utbD5K pic.twitter.com/KHqrJZDVba
— Mayor Eric Garcetti (@MayorOfLA) July 2, 2018
However, counter to Garcetti’s intent, Twitter users suggested the “AWESOME” exploding watermelon video would be more likely to encourage than discourage illegal fireworks purchases.
This AWESOME EXPLODING WATERMELON VIDEO may not be the most effective way to get people not to use illegal fireworks. https://t.co/WvdeJ9LYtg
— Mike Madden (@MikeMadden) July 3, 2018
Another joked, “Alexa, add watermelon and fireworks to my shopping list.”
Alexa, add watermelon and fireworks to my shopping list. https://t.co/DpDSrd3rxH
— Ben Epstein (@epsben) July 3, 2018
With high wildfire risks this time of year, California fire agencies have been warning citizens in the state about personal use of fireworks and illegal purchases. Cal Fire in Shasta County tweeted out an image on Saturday of a Lego police officer arresting another Lego figure with a caption indicating the state has a “zero tolerance policy on the sale and use of illegal fireworks.”
As we get ready to enjoy the July 4th holiday, remember, all fireworks, including “Safe and Sane”, are illegal in Shasta County! #CALFIRE #July4th pic.twitter.com/wnymp4jTy2
— CAL FIRE SHU (@CALFIRESHU) June 29, 2018
You idiot, you just made fireworks seem even cooler than they already are. https://t.co/mgZHV5lx8Q
— Jeff B. (@EsotericCD) July 3, 2018
This tweet is an unintentional advertisement for #Fireworks.
Just look at how awesome they are: https://t.co/uPK0X9LAmQ
— Frank Luntz (@FrankLuntz) July 3, 2018
