July 4th Safety Tips from the Los Angeles Fire Department....

The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) wants you and your family to have a fun and safe 4th of July. The best way to do that is to be prepared and know your local laws. Some are still surprised to learn that the use or sale of ALL FIREWORKS including so called "safe and sane" have been illegal in the City of Los Angeles since 1942, except at approved fireworks shows of course. 

Every 4th of July is one of the busiest days of the year for emergency services, and most calls are for fires and injuries caused by people using illegal fireworks. All too often, firefighters care for painful and disfiguring firecracker injuries that happen to the eyes, hands, head, and face. Here are four statistics to contemplate...

• Almost half of all people injured were children under the age of 15.
• According to the United States eye registry, more bystanders are injured by fireworks than by the people who set them off.
• Sparklers can heat up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit (that is hot enough to melt gold).
• The highest numbers of injuries are firecrackers (26%), rockets (21%), and sparklers (11%).
• Possessing fireworks is a misdemeanor, punishable with a fine of $1,000 and/or one year in jail. In addition, our law enforcement friends remind you of the obvious dangers associated with discharging firearms into the air.

Your LAFD is committed to safety and thus started the Anti-Fireworks campaign in 1982 and participates in an annual joint 4th of July Anti-Fireworks Press Conference, educating and informing citizens, all in an effort to reduce the number of injuries and property loss caused by illegal fireworks.

"Prevent a nightmare on the 4th of July. Stay away from playing with fireworks, and play it safe by attending a public fireworks display." -

For a list of fireworks shows in the greater Los Angeles area visit:www.safejuly4th.org or call (888) 654-FIRE.