A LOAD OF LIGHTS.

Byline: Daily News

PALMDALE - Residents began buying fireworks Wednesday to celebrate Independence Day.

Booths operated by 41 nonprofit organizations opened at noon, city officials said. The booths will be open through Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Palmdale is the only city in north Los Angeles County in which ``Safe and Sane'' fireworks may be legally sold and discharged on private property. Discharge of fireworks is illegal in Lancaster, Santa Clarita and in unincorporated parts of Los Angeles County, such as Lake Los Angeles, Acton, Littlerock and Leona Valley.

Fireworks are also allowed in Kern County unincorporated areas such as Rosamond and Mojave.

Palmdale officials said they urged residents not to use illegal fireworks, such as firecrackers and skyrockets, and to use ``Safe and Sane'' fireworks under safe conditions.

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Photo: (1 -- 2 -- color -- 1 -- ran in AV edition only -- 2 -- color in AV edition only) Mike Ortiz of the American Little League holds up fireworks the nonprofit group is selling for Independence Day, top. Above, Darnell Strigglers shows off the fireworks he picked up Wednesday at the Little League booth in Palmdale.

Jeff Goldwater/Staff Photographer