Safe use of fireworks for July 4 holiday

The Ventura County Fire Department reminds residents that the safe and legal way to enjoy fireworks on Fourth of July is at a professional public display.

Fireworks of all kinds are illegal in the cities of Camarillo, Moorpark, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County such as Oak Park.

Fire cause investigators and law enforcement personnel will be out in force patrolling the county to prevent the use of fireworks. Anyone found in possession of fireworks or caught using them could be fined up to $1,000 and/or receive a jail term of up to a year.

"We have near-critical fire conditions in our brush areas right now," said Cap. Barry Parker, "Fireworks can easily ignite grass and light brush and they can start a structure fire almost as easily. This a very serious matter to us and people need to know that anyone who starts a fire with fireworks, even accidentally, can be held liable for fire suppression costs and property damage costs."

Fireworks can also cause injury, particularly to children. Recent statistics from the National Fire Protection Association show that onethird of injuries by fireworks were to children under the age of 15. Sparklers, fountains and novelties were responsible for 28 percent of the fireworks injuries treated in emergency rooms in 2006.

Never give fireworks or sparklers to children. Teach children that fireworks are explosive devices and that they should stop, drop and roll if their clothes catch on fire.

Citizens are urged to report illegal fireworks to local law enforcement or to the fire department.