ALL FIRED UP; FILLMORE'S PYROTECHNIC STANDS SPROUT ONCE AGAIN.

Byline: Orith Goldberg Staff Writer

The sale of fireworks for the Fourth of July can be a big moneymaker for nonprofit organizations in Fillmore, but their use 30 miles away in Santa Clarita draws concern from local authorities.

Even those labeled ``safe and sane'' can be hazardous, Joe Luna, a spokesman for the Ventura County Fire Department, said Monday.

And this year especially, Los Angeles County firefighters say, the potential for devastating brush fires in Santa Clarita is high because an extremely wet winter followed by a dry one left miles of dry, heavy brush.

``You kind of have to weigh both sides,'' Luna said. ``On one side, it's a fund-raiser. (But) we'd prefer not to have them that readily available in (Ventura County).''

Still, two dozen booths line Highway 126 through Fillmore, selling state-approved fireworks, attracting motorists traveling between Ventura and Santa Clarita.

Sheriff's deputies will confiscate any fireworks they come across in the Santa Clarita Valley, said Lt. Tim Peters. They will seek charges, however, only if fireworks are used in a hazardous manner.

Fillmore Fire Chief Pat Askren said officials welcome people from surrounding communities to use the fireworks in the city July 4, adding that he could not recall any reported injuries as a result of fire in the city last year.

Askren did, however, caution parents to supervise their children while fireworks are being used.

``Children should wear clothes covering their skin and used fireworks should be disposed of in a pail of water, he said. ``Don't let kids run out and touch the fireworks.''

Luna recalled an incident a few years ago in which two juveniles playing with ``safe and sane'' fireworks - which have the state fire marshal's seal of approval - ignited a grass fire that turned into a raging brush fire.

``All explosives have the potential for injury,'' he said.

Vendors said the fireworks are a major source of revenue for nonprofit organizations. Proceeds average $30,000 to $40,000 the week leading to July 4.

Dave Pele, 51, said Fillmore is such a small community that the proceeds subsidize many nonprofit organizations that would not otherwise have such a source of income.

``If we didn't have this, the majority of our nonprofit organizations wouldn't make it,'' he said.

Pele said he realizes people buy fireworks in his city intending to use them elsewhere.

``We can't police them,'' he said.

The fireworks sold along the highway ranged from packages for $10.65 to $100.

Pele said the bigger fountain-type fireworks are dangerous if kids use them unsupervised.

``If they are under 10 years old, I wouldn't allow them to light any fountains,'' he said.

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Aaron Mullins, Nate Maxey and Katie Sessing look at fireworks packages available for purchase at the Freedom Family Fireworks stand in Fillmore.

(2--Color) Behind the counter, Phil Garcia gets fireworks for customers.

John Lazar/Daily News