Where fireworks are safe and sane this Fourth of July

CENTRAL COAST, Calif. – For many Americans, the Fourth of July holiday is synonymous with sun, fun, barbecues, and fireworks. However, for people living on the Central Coast of California, it is also synonymous with hot and dry.

Because of this, local fire departments have issued statements regarding the use of legal fireworks and where they are or are not allowed.

"Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using legal and illegal fireworks," said Santa Barbara County officials. "Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, injuries, fires, and even death can occur."

Legal fireworks, officially dubbed "safe and sane" are any fireworks that are not explosive or projectile. Some popular examples include fountains and sparklers.

The sales of "safe and sane" fireworks began on Tuesday for participating cities.

For cities that do not allow "safe and sane" fireworks at all, people who ignite fireworks can face up to a $1,000 fine.

A comprehensive list of where these safe and sane fireworks are or are not allowed can be found below:

Where they are allowed:

• San Luis Obispo County
  • Arroyo Grande
  • Grover Beach
  • Oceano
  • San Miguel
  • Templeton
•  Santa Barbara County
  • Guadalupe
  • Lompoc
  • Santa Maria
• Ventura County
  • Fillmore

Where they are not allowed:

• San Luis Obispo County
  • San Luis Obispo
  • Pismo Beach
  • Paso Robles
  • Morro Bay
  • Atascadero
  • Avila Beach
  • Cambria
  • Nipomo
  • Cayucos
  • Shandon
  • Creston
• Santa Barbara County
  • Santa Barbara
  • Goleta
  • Solvang
  • Carpinteria
  • Montecito

Fire officials offer safety tips for the Fourth of July holiday, which include being mindful of igniting fireworks in areas of dry brush and keeping water or a fire extinguisher nearby.

Officials also ask residents to be mindful of the impacts the fireworks have on our furry friends, whose sensitive ears can be easily disturbed by the loud 'bangs' and 'booms' of the fireworks. They advise leaving pets at home if planning to attend a firework show.