Independence Day fireworks display to return to Santa Barbara with pandemic safety measures in place

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-Red, white and boom will be back this 4th of July in Santa Barbara.

Mayor Cathy Murillo said that means there will be professional fireworks, but no stage or bands that might draw large crowds during the pandemic.

Murillo said it will be a COVID safe event with people bringing their own chairs to sit six feet away from others.

"We believe people will be happy to be at a fireworks show again, it will be out at the beach, they can sit safely distanced from each other and it will be COVID safe," said Murillo.

The cost approved by the city council will cover the fireworks, staffing, baracades, policing and cleanup.

There will also be a Parade of Lights fireworks show in December.

But illegal fireworks are frowned upon due to drought conditions that increase fire danger.

Fire Marshal Joe Poire retires a month before the holiday, but will still be working to remind people that other kinds of fireworks are illegal in the city.

"The vegetation is very dry, and you know there is a lot of dead material, a lot of dead trees, and so forth, so it is a very dangerous situation to be having any kind of fireworks in this environment," said Poire.

Police and firefighters will be on hand to make sure the Independence Day display stays safe.