DON'T LET FIREWORKS RUIN YOUR HOLIDAY, FIRE OFFICIALS SAY.Byline: Jin Whang Daily News Staff Writer Fireworks fireworks: see pyrotechnics. fireworks Explosives or combustibles used for display. Of ancient Chinese origin, fireworks evidently developed out of military rockets and explosive missiles and accompanied the spread of military explosives westward to are illegal in Los Angeles Los Angeles (lôs ăn`jələs, lŏs, ăn`jəlēz'), city (1990 pop. 3,485,398), seat of Los Angeles co., S Calif.; inc. 1850. and other neighboring cities, and breaking the law can have consequences beyond fines and prison terms, fire officials say. In California, there were 219 fireworks-related injuries from June 17 through July 16, 1997, as reported to the state by 206 hospitals. Los Angeles County led the state with 75 injuries. Eye injuries were most common, with hand and foot injuries next. And children were especially at risk. ``National statistics show that nearly 60 percent of fireworks accidents happen to people younger than 20, and a quarter of all fireworks-related accidents occur in children between the ages of 10 and 14,'' said Jayne Murphy Shapiro, president of the national grass-roots organization Kids Safe. As for property, the state fire marshal fire marshal n. 1. The head of a department or office that is charged with the prevention and investigation of fires. 2. A person in charge of firefighting personnel and equipment at an industrial plant. Noun 1. reports that nearly $420,000 worth of damage resulted from the use of illegal fireworks. It's just not worth the risk, city fire officials said, urging Fourth of July Fourth of July, Independence Day, or July Fourth, U.S. holiday, commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Celebration of it began during the American Revolution. celebrants to attend a professional fireworks display. ``We encourage safer alternatives,'' said Capt. Mike Little of the Los Angeles Fire Department The Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), also known as the Los Angeles City Fire Department to distinguish it from the Los Angeles County Fire Department. It is the agency that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the city of Los Angeles. . Although some California cities permit ``safe and sane'' fireworks - mostly those that do not explode or soar into the sky - all kinds of fireworks are against the law in Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale, San Fernando San Fernando, city, Argentina San Fernando (săn fərnăn`dō), city (1991 pop. 144,761), Buenos Aires prov., E Argentina. It is a district administrative center in the Greater Buenos Aires area. and other area cities. Even sparklers are banned, Los Angeles fire officials said. Kids Safe is promoting the idea that families can still have fun by going to a city-sponsored fireworks show. ``We're not saying don't have fun; we're saying be safe,'' Shapiro said. To find out where a professional fireworks show is being held, call the LAFD LAFD Los Angeles Fire Department LAFD Los Alamos Fire Department LAFD London Association of Funeral Directors (UK) hotline, (800) 900-FIRE. FIREWORKS FACTS ``Safe and sane'' fireworks are allowed in 200 California cities and unincorporated county areas. There are 471 cities and 58 counties in the state. All kinds of fireworks, including safe and sane ones, are banned in the cities of Los Angeles, Burbank, Glendale and San Fernando. Ten states ban all types of fireworks: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York New York, state, United States New York, Middle Atlantic state of the United States. It is bordered by Vermont, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and the Atlantic Ocean (E), New Jersey and Pennsylvania (S), Lakes Erie and Ontario and the Canadian province of , Rhode Island Rhode Island, island, United States Rhode Island, island, 15 mi (24 km) long and 5 mi (8 km) wide, S R.I., at the entrance to Narragansett Bay. It is the largest island in the state, with steep cliffs and excellent beaches. and Vermont. In California, there were 219 fireworks-related injuries from June 17 through July 16, 1997, as reported to the state by 206 hospitals. Of those, 99 injuries or 45 percent were blamed on illegal fireworks; 82 or 38 percent on legal fireworks; and 38 or 17 percent on unknown types of fireworks. Eye injuries were most common, followed by hand and foot injuries. By far, Los Angeles County had the largest number of fireworks-related injuries at 75, including 29 caused by legal fireworks. Sacramento County was a distant second with 20, including seven caused by legal fireworks. Nationwide there were an estimated 8,300 fireworks-related injuries in 1997, with perhaps half of those caused by legal fireworks. Americans annually spend an estimated $400 million on fireworks. China, where fireworks were invented more than 1,000 years ago, is the main supplier of U.S. home-use fireworks. It offers college-level classes in fireworks design. SOURCES: Most estimates are from the American Pyrotechnics Association The American Pyrotechnics Association is an advocacy group that aims to get consumer fireworks legalized across the United States and educate citizens on the safe use of fireworks. External links
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