FIREWORKS RISKY, AUTHORITIES WARN.

Byline: Kathryn Combs Staff Writer

For the Fourth of July, police and fire officials have their own tradition - the annual message that Los Angeles residents should attend public fireworks displays instead of creating their own.

``All fireworks, even the so-called safe and sane devices, are illegal in the city of Los Angeles (and) that includes the San Fernando Valley,'' said Brian Humphrey, spokesman with the Los Angeles Fire Department.

And they are dangerous.

Already on Friday night, a 7-year-old boy in Los Angeles lost the tip of his middle finger on his right hand while playing with a firecracker, a city Fire Department spokesman said.

To prevent firework-related tragedies, both the fire and police departments will be out in full force, part of what Humphrey said is an aggressive campaign aimed at preventing injuries and property damage most often associated with the holiday.

According to Humphrey, the campaign has had an effect.

Last year, the number of fireworks-related incidents was 45, down from 500 in 1981.

However in some areas outside of the city of Los Angeles, such as Palmdale, ``safe and sane'' fireworks are legal. Sparklers, fountains and smoke bombs are some of those devices.

However, those putting on their own fireworks display in areas where it is legal need to exercise extreme caution by closely following the directions printed on the devices, warned Elisabeth Sachs, a spokeswoman with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department.

For areas where ``safe'' devices are legal, the Sheriff's Department suggests caution above all else for a safe and enjoyable holiday.

Use them in a open area.

Keep a bucket of water nearby.

Make certain that children are always under supervision when using them. Parents are often liable for damages caused by their children.

Humphrey warned that even ``safe'' devices can be dangerous, and are not permitted within city limits.

``We can't recommend `safe and sane' practices because these items are at best unpredictable and have led to too much tragedy,'' he said.

``You won't find firefighters using personal fireworks and for good reason. Why risk it?''

Police and sheriff's deputies are also concerned about the firing of guns into the air in celebration of the holiday.

``We don't want people confusing firearms with fire works,'' Sachs said.

``A lot of time people end up getting hurt because what goes up must come down.''

Aside from encouraging residents to attend local fireworks displays, all of which are listed on the Fire Department's 24-hour automated hotline, the Fire Department will also have a virtual fireworks display at their Web site, www.lafd.org.

``It's probably the ultimate way of celebrating safely,'' Humphrey said.