The Push Is On to Spark Interest in a Safe Fourth

It’s almost the Fourth of July, and traditionally that means fireworks--at the beaches, ballparks, outdoor arenas and stadiums, theme parks. In some California cities and towns, it also means fireworks in yards or on street corners.

Some cities permit the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks, the Class C kind that do not explode, fly into the air or move around the ground. These include items like sparklers, “snakes” and “ground flowers.”

But those ear-splitting firecrackers and shooting sky rockets and Roman candles heard and seen around July 4 are outlawed everywhere in California.

Most illegal fireworks, officials say, are smuggled in from Mexico. But beware: If caught with them, you can be subject to fines and jail. Fines can range from $500 to $1,000, plus up to a year in jail for misdemeanor offenses. If you injure someone or cause property damage with illegal fireworks, you could face felony charges, stiffer fines and more jail time.

If apprehended with 1 pound of illegal fireworks, you will face felony charges, possible time in state prison and a fine up to $5,000.

Though 12 states outlaw all fireworks, in California, “safe and sane” fireworks can be purchased only from noon today to noon July 6 and only from retail stands licensed by the state fire marshal.

A Political Firecracker

Although the anti-fireworks issue comes up in California from time to time, fire officials and politicians admit the issue is politically hot.

“We don’t want to take apple pie and the American Flag away, but the fact is fireworks are dangerous,” said Gary Svider of the Los Angeles City Fire Department. “We don’t think fireworks are bad, if they are conducted by professionals in a show.”

Some politicians, however, believe that their constituents may be too poor to afford fireworks shows; others note that many civic groups raise money by selling “safe and sane” fireworks. There also is vocal lobbying by Class C fireworks manufacturers.

Even if your city allows Class C fireworks, handle them with special care this year. Fire danger around the Fourth could be more critical than ever, as Southern California has recorded 30% less rainfall than normal this season and is in the midst of an early brush fire season, warned Los Angeles County Fire Chief P. Michael Freeman. He added that the Fourth of July is the busiest day of the year for county firefighters.

As Dry as August Already

“With the amount of dead material or die-back we have and the moisture content of the brush, we are today where we should be at the end of August,” explained Battalion Chief Bob Neamy, who coordinates the Los Angeles City Fire Department’s fireworks education campaign. “We don’t recommend any type of fireworks use for the public. Even a sparkler, which with a wire core generates 2,000 to 3,000 degrees, is like putting a torch in a child’s hand.”

What to do instead?

Most fire department personnel and organizations statewide recommend fireworks fanciers go to authorized demonstrations by state-licensed pryotechnicians--public and private events such as beach celebrations or shows at college stadiums. Many of these events are free; others cost $3-$5 but include entertainment such as performances by singing groups.

For information about fireworks demonstrations in the city of Los Angeles, call the fire department hot lines: English, (213) 626-2871 or (818) 786-5170; or Spanish, (213) 626-2969 or (818) 786-5776. If you live within Los Angeles County Fire Department jurisdiction, call (213) 267-2411 for fireworks display sites.

L.A. Awareness Program

The Fire Department in the City of Los Angeles, where sale or use of fireworks by individuals has been banned since 1942, instituted a public awareness program in 1982, the year after a record was set over the July 4 holiday--321 injuries, 500 fires and $2.1 million in property losses. In six years, the program has shown continued success. In 1988, for instance, the city had 16 injuries, 104 fires and $12,000 in property losses.

“It’s easy to show statistics on how burns and injuries have gone down,” Neamy said. “It’s not easy to see the ones we’ve prevented. We estimate we’ve prevented over 1,400 (injuries) in that period.”

Besides sending out buttons with the slogan “There’s nothing cool about fireworks,” the department instituted a billboard campaign this season--one of the most effective warnings showing a little girl with her eyes bandaged, and a slogan reading: “Fireworks create memories that last a lifetime.”

There also have been posters, buttons and flyers in English and Spanish distributed by county and city fire departments to educate the public about fireworks safety.

(Animal lovers also take note: Experts warn that the Fourth can be traumatic for pets frightened by the sights and sounds of holiday celebrations and owners should take appropriate precautions--such as keeping animals indoors or ensuring that they’re tended to, if they’re especially nervous.)

Some Cities Allow Use

In all unincorporated areas of Los Angeles and Orange counties, all Class C fireworks are prohibited. But within Los Angeles County, 41 cities still permit their sale and use, among them Alhambra, Bell, Burbank, Monterey Park, Montebello, Hawthorne, Compton, Inglewood, Norwalk, Palmdale, Paramount and Santa Fe Springs.

In Orange County, seven cities--Buena Park, Costa Mesa, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Orange, Santa Ana and Westminster--allow “safe and sane” fireworks. The Orange County Grand Jury recommended a fireworks ban for the entire county in 1987 and this month again urged the seven cities to outlaw fireworks now.

But Costa Mesa Mayor Peter Buffa said there are about 25 civic groups in his city “for whom fireworks (sales) are the principal means of support,” and he does not favor banning them unless alternative fund-raising means can be found. Many of the affected organizations are youth groups, including Little League and soccer teams and girls and boys clubs.

“In 10 days, they make far more than they could through year-round fund-raising efforts,” Buffa said. “Much more than selling chocolates door to door. I’m not real anxious to have kids walking around banging on doors anyway in these crazy times we live in.”

Few Injuries Reported

Buffa and Costa Mesa Fire Chief John Petruzziello said the city has had few incidences of injuries or fires resulting from fireworks; the fire department runs a strong educational program about fireworks.

“It’s not the device, but the people who use it, or misuse it,” Petruzziello said of “safe and sane” products. “We continue our educational efforts, and we do encourage people to go to the displays.”

Buffa said the city may consider banning Class C fireworks if it decides to pass a first-time bingo ordinance. “They could support themselves that way,” he offered. “We may take another look at (outlawing fireworks) if we get bingo in place.”

Fireworks Tips

If you intend to use “safe and sane” fireworks at your home, remember some safety tips from the Los Angeles County Fire Department:

--Be sure adults are present and that spectators are kept at a safe distance. Never give fireworks to young children, or point or throw fireworks at anyone.

--Always read directions and use fireworks away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects. Light one at a time, then move away quickly.

--Have a bucket of water handy for emergencies and to douse spent fireworks.

--Do not alter or take apart fireworks and never attempt to re-light or fix malfunctioning ones.

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