Pasadena explosions – Pasadena officials warned residents to expect helicopters, controlled explosions, and simulated weapons fire during a U.S. military training exercise Wednesday night, scheduled from 8:30 p.m. to about 12:30 a.m. The drills will be held at the old St. Luke Hosp
Helicopter noise, controlled blasts, and simulated gunfire are expected to roll across northeast Pasadena on Wednesday night, and city officials are urging residents not to panic.
Pasadena officials said residents may hear helicopters, controlled explosions and simulated weapons fire as the U.S. military conducts a training exercise in the northeast area of the city Wednesday night. The first round of noise is expected to begin around dusk. at 8:30 p.m. and the exercises will continue until around 12:30 a.m. according to city spokesperson Lisa Derderian.
Pasadena police will be responsible for the perimeter and for directing pedestrians and traffic away from the training area. Derderian said the exercise is part of a standard training drill used by the military across the U.S.
Still, officials wanted to make sure the public understood what they were hearing—especially during election week, when many residents can be more sensitive to sudden sounds or unusual activity. Derderian said the city plans to push the information widely to prevent alarm.
“That’s why we, as a city, try to put out as much messaging on many different platforms — social media, Nixle, reverse 911 — so we can ensure the public is aware,” Derderian said.
The military activity will take place at the old St. Luke Hospital building, near Altadena Drive and Washington Boulevard, according to a source familiar with the operation who was not authorized to speak publicly. The operation is not open to the public or media.
With the start time pegged to 8:30 p.m. and the training continuing until about 12:30 a.m., the city is preparing for the busiest window of noise and movement. Even though the drill is described as routine. officials are leaning hard on communication and police presence to keep the focus on training rather than confusion.
Pasadena military training explosions simulated weapons fire helicopters police perimeter election week Nixle reverse 911 Altadena Drive Washington Boulevard old St. Luke Hospital building