City Officials Caution Against Using Fireworks at Home

by City News Service

Echoing a refrain that will be heard throughout the holiday week, Los Angeles City Councilman Bernard Parks Tuesday called on residents to attend a professional fireworks show on the Fourth of July and avoid celebrating the day by using their own pyrotechnics that can lead to fires or injuries.

"We want to ensure that we have a safe program," Parks said at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, which will play host to its annual fireworks display. "But we also want to encourage people not to go outside the city limits and buy fireworks, bring them in and the next day we hear about the tragedies of lost limbs and eyes."

Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Brian Cummings warned that even seemingly harmless fireworks, such as sparklers, can cause serious injuries, burning at temperatures of as high as 4,000 degrees.

"Last year alone, your Los Angeles Fire Department responded to over 9 percent more calls for service on the Fourth of July," Cummings said.

On Monday night, a fire that was sparked by someone playing with fireworks caused an estimated $200,000 in damage to a pair of businesses in Walnut Park, officials said.

Professional fireworks shows are planned throughout the Southland on Thursday, including the show at the Coliseum. The event will include kids' activities, music and giveaways beginning at about 3 p.m., with the fireworks scheduled for 9 p.m.