Week in Review : MAJOR EVENTS, IMAGES AND PEOPLE IN ORANGE COUNTY NEWS : CITIES : Blaze Sparks Call for Anaheim Fireworks Ban

Fireworks are again causing fireworks in Anaheim.

For years the City Council has sidetracked efforts to halt sale of the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks in Anaheim. But after a $2.2-million apartment fire three weeks ago caused by fireworks, the council shifted its position last Tuesday.

The City Council agreed to put a measure on the city’s November ballot that will allow voters to decide whether to ban fireworks.

Supporters of “safe” fireworks argued that the fire at the Casa de Valencia apartments July 3 was caused by illegal fireworks. But Anaheim Fire Department Chief Bob Simpson told the council that “safe and sane” fireworks are often converted to illegal devices.

“ ‘Safe and sane’ (fireworks), frankly, are not very exciting,” he said. “What makes them exciting is when you alter them and they go up in the air (as illegal fireworks).”