Fire Retardant Sprayed as Precaution in Southern Calif.

Pasadena firefighters are taking precautions in anticipation of Southern California’s largest Fourth of July fireworks show.

Some four tons of fire retardant was being sprayed Wednesday on brushy areas of the Arroyo Seco and San Rafael hills around the Rose Bowl.

Some 30,000 spectators watch the fireworks show from inside the stadium, but Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Derderian says there are at least twice that many in areas around the Rose Bowl.

The retardant is being sprayed on vegetation that flourished during winter and spring rains and is now dry.

The Pasadena Fire Department has sprayed the retardant before the holiday for 12 years. Derderian says the retardant is a fertilizer mixture that is environmentally friendly and doesn’t harm pets.