FOX 11 cameras catch LAFD official illegally setting off fireworks

ALTADENA, CA (FOX 11) - FOX 11 cameras were rolling Tuesday night as a fire inspector with the Los Angeles Fire Department was seen illegally setting off fireworks at his home in an unincorporated area of Los Angeles county, where fireworks are banned.

John Stuhlman, a fire inspector with LAFD, was observed setting off several different fireworks at his home in Altadena on the Fourth of July holiday.

All fireworks are banned in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles county without a permit, punishable by a fine of at least $500, up to a year in jail, or both.

FOX 11 stopped by Stuhlman's home Wednesday evening to give him a chance to respond. He denied being involved in the lighting of any fireworks, and he walked away from our cameras when asked for his side of the story.

FOX 11 reached out to LAFD to get the department's response to Stuhlman's actions.

LAFD spokesman Peter Sanders released a statement to FOX 11 Wednesday night which reads:

"The department has been made aware that a member allegedly used fireworks last night in an area where they were prohibited. We take these allegations seriously and our Professional Standards Division will conduct an internal investigation regarding this circumstance."

Before leaving Stuhlman's property, FOX 11 saw him outside, and once again offered him a chance to respond. Stuhlman went back inside and closed the door without a word.

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