`SAFE, SANE' FIREWORKS OFTEN DECEIVING.

Byline: Romy Jacobson Daily News Staff Writer

You sit in anticipation, listening as the lighted fuse sizzles . . . buzz, crackle, whistle. Sparks and flames shoot up in the sky.

Detonating fireworks on the Fourth of July is as American as peanuts and Cracker Jack at a baseball game.

But too often the celebration turns somber because of accidents and injuries resulting from the use of illegal fireworks, or improper use of ``safe and sane'' fireworks, fire officials say.

``If the safe and sane are used by adults, things should go all right,'' said Jerry Meehan, a fire prevention inspector with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. ``A lot of times, that doesn't happen. We get people that get intoxicated then they can't judge as well and that's when accidents happen with the safe and sane fireworks.''

In the Antelope Valley, safe and sane pyrotechnics - fireworks which do not explode, dart or travel, and carry the state fire marshal's safe and sane seal - may be purchased and used only within Palmdale city limits, or in Kern County.

They are illegal in Lancaster and unincorporated communities like Quartz Hill and Lake Los Angeles. Illegal everywhere are explosives like firecrackers, cherry bombs and bottle rockets.

``If we have (safe and sane) fireworks outside of the city of Palmdale, generally we confiscate the fireworks,'' Meehan said. ``Now, illegal fireworks, that's a whole different situation. We'll confiscate them. There may be a citation and there may be a charge.''

Possession of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor in California and may be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or imprisonment in a county jail for one year.

If an individual is found to be in possession of a sufficient amount of dangerous, illegal fireworks, a felony, the punishment can include imprisonment in a state prison or county jail for up to one year and a fine of up to $5,000.

Felony possession constitutes 7,500 grains (1 pound) or more of illegal fireworks - the equivalent of 7,500 small bottle rockets, 9,700 firecrackers or 188 cherry bombs.

Parents may be held liable for any fire damages or injuries caused by their children using illegal fireworks.

While safe and sane fireworks are the best way to go, accidents still happen when they're not used properly, officials say.

In 1997, 38 percent of reported fireworks injuries in the state of California were attributed to safe and sane fireworks, and 45 percent resulted from the use of illegal fireworks, according to Capt. Chuck Dickson of the Kern County Fire Department.

In 1997, eyes were the No. 1 body part injured, followed by hands and feet. Injuries to children under age 7 are also on the rise, according to an annual survey conducted by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

A safe and enjoyable way to celebrate the 222nd anniversary of the country's independence is to attend a professional fireworks show.

Many of the shows are free to the public. The size of fireworks shells used in the productions range from 3 inches to 8 inches in diameter, and some of the shows are synchronized to music, officials say.

If you're still set on putting on your own neighborhood fireworks show, make sure that only safe and sane fireworks are used, don't drink and light them, and keep all fireworks away from small children, authorities suggest.

``In almost all cases, an accident does not exist,'' Dickson said. ``Those injuries are preventable, predictable events.''

The Fourth of July is the busiest day of the year for all emergency calls, according to officials.

Here are some fireworks safety tips to make your Fourth of July an enjoyable holiday.

Always read and follow the directions which come with each ``safe and sane'' firework item.

Always have an adult present.

Do not hold the fireworks in your hand while they are discharging.

Hold sparklers away from the face and clothing.

Never alter or take fireworks apart.

Never allow burning items to be thrown into the air.

Light fireworks in a clear area away from houses, dry grass, and other combustible materials.

Never light fireworks near a motor vehicle.

Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for dousing misfired fireworks.

Do not attempt to relight or ``fix'' malfunctioning fireworks, soak them with water and dispose of them safely.

Remember that fireworks are not toys for children. Do not allow younger children to play with fireworks under any circumstances. They may not appreciate the danger involved with fireworks.

Dispose of fireworks properly.

Remember your pets. If the dog tends to frighten easily, keep it indoors.

Check for the state fire marshal label of registration on each package or item.

(Safety tips are courtesy of the Kern County Fire Department.)

ANTELOPE VALLEY FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS

ACTON - The Acton Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a Fourth of July parade at 9 a.m. starting at Aliso Street and Crown Valley Road. The parade will continue south on Smith Road to the community center. A flag-raising ceremony will be held, followed by an awards ceremony for parade winners. The festivities will continue with games, crafts and food booths. This year's theme is ``Acton Salutes the Back Yard Tractor.''

LANCASTER - Fireworks 9 p.m. July 4 at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 151 E. Ave. I. Gates open at 6 p.m. Country-western groups Mendin' Fences and Lovesick Prairie Dogs perform from 7-8:45 p.m. Admission is free.

PALMDALE - Fireworks 9 p.m. July 4 at Palmdale High School's Riewer Field, 20th Street East, south of Palmdale Boulevard. Gates open at 6 p.m. Disneyland musical group The Bytes will perform from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

ROSAMOND - Fireworks 10:15 p.m. at Willow Springs Raceway, Rosamond Boulevard at 80th Street West. The fireworks display follows the Vintage Auto Racing Association annual race, which starts at 8 p.m. Admission is $2.

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BOX: ANTELOPE VALLEY FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS (See text)