Fireworks stands opening as advice is launched to help prevent injuries and fires

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Throughout the tri-county area, messages are going out recommending big community shows as the preferred way to see 4th of July fireworks.
Santa Barbara will have its presentation again at West Beach at 9 p.m. and there will be many others at stadiums in the area.  Those who have seen these type of displays say they are the safest.

A former resident and beach visitor Samantha Limkeman said, she enjoys them, "especially if you have the space and they are willing to block the roads off to make it safe to do so I think that is the best way to do it. "
This week Safe and Sane Fireworks will be sold in selected communities including Fillmore and Santa Maria. They raise funds for non-profits, sports teams and community groups.

Fire officials say what you  buy there has to be used in those areas,  not brought to another area where fireworks are banned and shot off.
Santa Barbara City Fire Marshal Ryan DiGiulio said,  "it sounds harsh but what we are really trying to do is help folks understand that a vast majority of the accidents that occur - traumatic injuries, or fires that start with fireworks, are really preventable."
There may also be the a perception that there are some safe areas if you have your own fireworks such as the waterfront or near the beach. The fire department makes it clear that these areas are off limits for those fireworks uses."
 Those using illegal fireworks or fireworks bought at the stands and lit in non approved areas will face the risk of having everything confiscated and getting a citation by police or fire investigators.   If there's property damage from a fire, the penalties and fines will be significant, and likely filed as a criminal charge.

DiGiulio said, "we have seen the increase in the size of them (illegal fireworks) so maybe  not the number of the really illegal aerial fireworks  but more of the power they possess, the danger they possess."

This is also the anniversary of the 1990 Painted Cave fire in the San Marcos Pass area that destroyed nearly 500 homes and businesses and took one life.   It wasn't started by fireworks but we are in high fire season.

DiGiulio said, there was a tremendous amount of rain this year, follow by a big crop of dry grass. "Just drive around, those grasses are starting to die already and it only takes one of those little fireworks to get that grass going."

Beach visitor Olivia Geyling said, "I have heard horror stories. I have a friend that lives up by Lake Tahoe and they are like people shoot off their own fireworks and they start fires."

 Limkeman said,  "growing up in Vermont somebody was shooting them off into a field and the field caught fire."
While you may be enjoying large stadium-type shows , first responders will be adding extra staff and looking out for those violating the fireworks laws.