Viewing the Light Show

Prime Watching Points A. ANAHEIM

Disneyland’s display can be seen for miles in all directions; Anaheim Stadium show is also visible.

B. FULLERTON

Fullerton Union High School; also try Hillcrest Park--from a prime spot, you can see high school show as well as those at Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm.

C. BALBOA ISLAND

Displays from Laguna’s Main Beach, Emerald Bay and Big Canyon Country Club in Newport Beach are visible; likely to be crowded.

D. HUNTINGTON BEACH

Edwards Hill, at Ellis Avenue and Edwards Street; displays at Disneyland, Orange Coast College and Anaheim Stadium can be seen. Beware: Parking is limited.

E. LAGUNA BEACH

Alta Laguna Park (Top of the World); several displays are visible, including those at Emerald Bay, Dana Point and Irvine Cove. Shows at Main Beach, Dana Point, Three-Arch Bay, Emerald Bay and Irvine Cove visible from downtown’s Heisler Park. Park away from downtown to avoid huge traffic jam.

F. LOS ALAMITOS

Armed Forces Reserve Center good for show there, at Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach and, in distance, Disneyland

How Fireworks Work

Fireworks patterns depend on the size of the glittering “stars”, the way they are packed inside a shell, and even the shape of the shell itself. Among the burst patterns are the peony, chrysanthemum, spider web, palm tree, red-tipped comet and finale. Different chemicals are used to create the colors:

Green: Barium nitrate or chlorate

Yellow: Sodium salts

Orange /Amber: Charcoal or iron.

White: Magnesium or aluminmum powder.

Red: Strotium nitrate or carbonate

Blue: Copper salts.

Up in Smoke

Spectators will see about 250 fireworks, with 150 in the finale, during a professional show. Smaller shows cost $5,000 and run 12 minutes while bigger shows can last 20 minutes and cost $7,000 to $10,000.

Safety Tips

* Buy only legal fireworks--marked Class C Common--that come with instructions.

* Make sure an adult is present if children are using fireworks.

* Light fireworks one at a time; move a safe distance away.

* Do not light in bottles or cans.

The Law

Only Buena Park, Stanton, Costa Mesa, Garden Grove and Santa Ana allow sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks.

* Possessing fireworks where they are banned is a misdemeanor unless they contain more than 50 grams of powder. Then it can be a felony.

* Misdemeanor violation typically yields a citation and a fine of $100 to $500; penalty is more severe if property damage or personal injury results.

* Parents may be liable for damage caused by children using fireworks.

Useful Numbers

* For details on public fireworks displays throughout the county: (714) 834-4532

* To report dangerous and illegal use of fireworks: (714) 538-3501

Orange County has a wide variety of Fourth of July celebrations and fireworks shows. For a selection, see Page B-2

Sources: Orange County Fire Authority, Times reports