Fire Department hopes people avoid the use of all fireworks during holiday.
When it comes time to party this Fourth of July, emergency officials hope that Santa Clarita residents will keep away from celebrations of the flammable variety.
Despite how other counties govern fireworks, all forms of fireworks are illegal in Los Angeles County and the City of Santa Clarita.
“What people would call ‘safe and sane’ are not legal in this scenario,” said Battalion Chief Mike Carnes with the Los Angeles County Fire Department.
With the area in its third consecutive drought year, most vegetation is extremely dry.
“This last week we’ve seen a substantial increase in responses,” Battalion Chief Carnes said, expanding on the fact that conditions are ripe for a fire.
All it takes is a spark or an overly hot item to start a fire, which could lead to damage. Fireworks pose a substantial fire threat because they release an enormous amount of sparks and flames and they can become uncontrollable.
Also noteworthy is that anyone who starts a fire, even unintentionally can be held responsible.
“Violators can be held financially responsible for damages, in addition to paying a fine or going to jail,” said Stephanie English, Community Services Representative with LA County Fire.
Fire and Sheriff’s department officials have beefed up their staffing for the holiday weekend; however they still anticipate a busy night. A dedicated portion of the responders will be patrolling for illegal firework activity.