CAUTION URGED ON HOLIDAY FIREWORKS ILLEGAL IN MANY AREAS LOCAL AUTHORITIES TO BE ON LOOKOUT FOR DANGEROUS USE IN A.V. REGION.

Byline: JIM SKEEN Staff Writer

PALMDALE -- Residents using fireworks to celebrate Independence Day were urged Monday to use only ``safe and sane'' fireworks and only in approved areas.

With the exception of the Anaverde development, ``safe and sane'' fireworks are permitted in Palmdale, but only on private property.

Fireworks of any kind are illegal in the Anaverde development, regarded as a high fire hazard area because of the brush and terrain.

Fireworks of any kind are illegal in Lancaster and in unincorporated Los Angeles County.

Palmdale officials said it has been a relatively quiet holiday thus far and they hope to keep it that way. City officials have be conducting a public outreach campaign that has included placing safety information on the city's Web site, cityofpalmdale.org, and running firework safety programs on Channel 27.

``We're hopeful a lot of the communication we have done is hitting home with people,'' said Anne Ambrose, of the city's public safety office. ``We're hopeful residents know they can still enjoy the `safe and sane' fireworks or the city-sponsored fireworks show and not engage in behavior that is potentially dangerous.''

Tips for safely using fireworks can be found on the city's Web site. In general, fireworks should be placed on a hard, flat surface away from dry grass or anything combustible, Ambrose said.

After a firework has gone out, it should be placed in a bucket of water to ensure it is extinguished. Fireworks should be set off by adults.

Residents should use the fireworks in the way they were meant and not altered or bundled together.

Even ``safe and sane'' fireworks can be a hazard. The National Fire Protection Association reports that there were more than 9,600 injuries from fireworks last year, with about 85 percent of those coming from use of authorized fireworks such as ``safe and sane.''

About 40 percent of those injuries were to victims 15 years old or younger, according to a report by the association.

The cities of Palmdale and Lancaster, along with Los Angeles County officials, have joined together to provide extra enforcement to curb illegal fireworks. Officials are urging residents to report those using illegal fireworks.

``It's going to take a community effort to get a handle on the illegal fireworks,'' said Mayor Jim Ledford.

Sheriff's deputies will be out specifically looking for illegal fireworks, sometimes in unmarked cars. Each city will have 25 or more deputies on duty today beyond its usual staffing levels.

Possession of any amount of illegal fireworks over the size of an M-80 explosive can be prosecuted as a felony, which is punishable by a state prison term, officials said.

Altering ``safe and sane'' fireworks can also be prosecuted as a felony, sheriff's officials said.

To report illegal fireworks being used, Palmdale residents can call the Palmdale sheriff's station at [phone]. Residents can also report illegal fireworks on the city's Web site.

In Lancaster, people can report use of fireworks to the Lancaster sheriff's station at [phone] or 723-2031.

Palmdale officials are urging residents to avoid use even of legal fireworks and instead attend the free fireworks show at Palmdale High School's Riewer Field on the Fourth of July. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will begin at 7:30, and the fireworks display will start about 9 p.m.

Lancaster is also hosting its annual Fourth of July fireworks show at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 West Avenue H. Gates open at 6:30 p.m., musical entertainment runs from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

james.skeen@dailynews

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JULY FOURTH SHOWS

Antelope Valley residents can celebrate Independence Day with a community parade in Acton and municipal fireworks shows in Lancaster and Palmdale.

Acton's 43rd annual Independence Day parade will begin at 9 a.m. today on Crown Valley Road at Aliso Street, then run south to Smith Avenue. A fair with food, games, crafts and parade awards will follow at the Community Center, 3748 W. Nickels Ave.

The parade theme is ``Peace and Paradise.''

In Palmdale, the city's annual fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. at Palmdale High School's Riewer Field, on 20th Street East south of Palmdale Boulevard. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. and the musical group The Bytes will perform at 7:30 p.m. Admission is free.

Grandstand and lawn seating is available, but city officials advised spectators to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Food vendors will sell refreshments, or viewers can bring picnic baskets. Alcoholic beverages and pets are not permitted. Call [phone].

Lancaster's fireworks display will begin at 9 p.m. at the Antelope Valley Fairgrounds, 2551 W. Ave. H. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. The band Hodads will perform from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m. Alcohol and pets are not permitted. Admission is free. Call [phone].

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Photo:

(1 -- 2 -- color) Jim Johnson of Palmdale purchases fireworks from volunteer Jennifer Bundy of Lancaster at a fireworks stand off of Palmdale Boulevard in Palmdale on Monday morning.

Alex Collins/Special to the Daily News

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JULY FOURTH SHOWS (see text)