4th’s Big Bang Is Fading

Last July 4, fireworks of the so-called “safe and sane” variety were allowed in most Orange County communities. This year, they are banned in the unincorporated county areas and are legal in only eight cities.

By next year, they should be banned countywide, or preferably statewide, leaving the holiday truly safe and sane.

The ban wouldn’t mean the end of Fourth of July celebrations. Fireworks could still be enjoyed, but safely, at fireworks shows like the 19 being staged around the county this year, most of which are either free or charge only a modest admission. The main difference would be that the fireworks would be in the hands of trained experts, not children who run the risk of serious injuries, even with legal, state-approved fireworks, such as sparklers whose tips reach about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and cause about 30% of all fireworks injuries.

Last year, fireworks in the county were responsible for 10 injuries and about $382,000 in property damage. Most of the fireworks-related fires whose causes could be determined were attributed to “safe and sane” fireworks, not illegal ones. That backs the beliefs of county fire officials that all fireworks are dangerous.

Each year, fireworks take their needless toll in the county. In 1986, they caused $2.7 million in property damage. And in 1981, the toll was 32 people injured and $2.5 million in damage.

Those losses and injuries, and the potential for injury, death and property damage, more than offset any funds raised by community groups that sell fireworks and oppose their ban.

It may be impossible to entirely stop the flow of illegal fireworks, but a countywide ban would make it easier for fire officials and police to control the danger.

In the past two years, 13 Orange County cities and the County Board of Supervisors have realized the hazardous nature of all fireworks and acted to ban their sale and use.

How many more people must be injured and homes damaged and destroyed before Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana, Stanton and Westminster do the same?