Donald P. Holstrom holds his great-grandson Colby Crandall, 2, as they look for fireworks to buy at the Piru 4-H fireworks stand in Fillmore, Tuesday, June 28, 2011. (Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer)
As nonprofit groups in Palmdale gear up to sell "safe and sane" fireworks for July4, city officials warned residents Tuesday to maintain caution when preparing for their celebrations.
Palmdale is one of 38 cities in Los Angeles County that permit the use of safe and sane fireworks. Fillmore, in Ventura County, does as well. All fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles.
Palmdale's residents voted in April 1992 to continue the use of safe and sane fireworks, defined loosely as those that don't explode or fly. They are identified with a seal approved by the state fire marshal.
"If used properly, there shouldn't be any issues," said Gerald Cosey, battalion chief of the Los Angeles County Fire Department. "The Fire Department wants the residents to enjoy the holiday and we want them to enjoy it safely and responsibly."
He anticipates adding more engines and personnel in the Antelope Valley cities to help ensure safety.
Palmdale communications manager John Mlynar (cq)said the city is trying to spread the word through different outlets to its approximately 154,000 residents.
"We're trying to get the message out," Mlynar said. "Like every year, you've got to be cautious."
Bilingual public service announcements fill the radio waves, fliers including fireworks safety tips are mailed out to residents and an interactive map that allows visitors to verify if their residence lies within city limits is accessible via the city's website, www.cityofpalmdale.org.
Even safe and sane fireworks are banned from some areas of Palmdale, primarily the southwest neighborhoods, as identified on a map on the city website.
The annual protocol to inform residents of fireworks safety is coupled with encouragement to report any illegal fireworks - such as bottle rockets, M-80 s and others that explode or fly - which are not allowed anywhere in Los Angeles County. The county penalties for possession or use of illegal fireworks can range from a fine of up to $1,000 to one year in county jail. In Palmdale fines can start at $2,500.
"With fire season upon us, it is vital that our county residents understand that fireworks can cause brush fires, house fires, millions of dollars in damages, injuries and even death," said county Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich in a news release.
"Our firefighters risk their lives protecting lives and property - they deserve our help in preventing further fire emergencies."
The sale of safe and sane fireworks is restricted to nonprofit groups, which can start earning money several days before Independence Day, starting Tuesday at noon and ending noon July5.
"People that sell safe and sane fireworks raise funds for organizations, and it's a major way they make money. You can help out a charity," Cosey said.
This year, 42 safe and sane fireworks distribution booths are set up across Palmdale. Among their sponsors are religious groups, high school clubs, community service organizations and youth programs.
The Kiwanis Club of Palmdale, a service group which focuses on helping children, provides scholarships for high school students while giving back to Palmdale through volunteer work.
They hope to raise $20,000 through fireworks sales this year. Lynn Wright, advisor of the Highland High School Key Club and Kiwanis Club volunteer, said they depend on fireworks sales to provide a portion of the money used for the programs they offer.
"We would have to find other means if we couldn't sell the fireworks," she said.
Source: http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_18370793?source=rss
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