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Victor Maccharoli- Santa Barbara readies West Beach for their annual 4th of July fireworks show.

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Officials stress fireworks safety

By ERIC LINDBERG — July 2, 2009

With Independence Day approaching quickly, local law enforcement and safety officials are reminding the public that setting off any fireworks, including those dubbed “safe and sane,” is illegal throughout Santa Barbara County.

Instead, fire officials said, residents should enjoy a safe Fourth of July by attending one of the professional fireworks shows being held in most local municipalities, including Santa Barbara, Goleta and Solvang.

“Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using illegal fireworks,” County Fire Capt. David Sadecki said in a news release. “Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks — devastating burns, injuries, fires and even death.”

Los Padres National Forest officials echoed warnings about the possession or use of any fireworks in the forest, noting that rangers will be patrolling and enforcing the law strictly.

Anyone found in violation of the “no fireworks” regulation could face a $5,000 fine and up to six months in jail. In addition, anyone who causes a wildfire could be found liable for all suppression costs.

Any suspicious activity in the forest should be reported to U.S. Forest Service officials or the nearest ranger station.

Fire officials offered a few tips for viewing a professional show, urging local residents to avoid any temptation to get close to the launching site, particularly since the best view is typically from a quarter of a mile away.

Any fireworks components that fall to the ground without exploding — a rare occurrence, officials said — should be avoided and pointed out to public safety personnel.

Animal services officials also warned against bringing pets to a fireworks display. Booming fireworks often frighten animals and hundreds of pets typically run away during the annual festivities.

Pets should be kept inside in a quiet, windowless room, if possible, or in a carrier or kennel. Residents should leave the television or radio on to distract their pets.

Domesticated animals should also be licensed and tagged with a current address and phone number.

Residents who discover their pet is missing should visit their local animal shelter in Santa Barbara, Lompoc or Santa Maria. Animal services officials also recommended posting flyers in their neighborhoods and placing an advertisement in the newspaper.

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: 7/2/2009

smash on on the enemies!

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Lame : 7/2/2009

Fireworks bans are just dumb. The fireworks won't just go away so ordinary citizens end up acting like criminals and instead of teaching safety we get threats. Also, if the fireworks show in Santa Barbara is anything like it has been for the past few years: don't bother.

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LET'S TAKE PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY : 7/2/2009

Instead of enforcing $5,000 fines, how about we enjoy our FREEDOM in America and be allowed to set off some fireworks at the beach, where there is no chance of catching anything on fire in the sand, and people can celebrate an age old tradition. If you are in support of maintaining a free society: WWW.VOTETEVIS.COM CHEERS TO FREEDOM!!!!

who is justin tevis?

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