Los Angeles County Fire Department officials encourage residents to attend a local professional firework show to reduce the risk of personal firework accidents and fires.

Attending a professional firework show reduces the risks of injuries, according to a news release from the L.A. County Fire Department.

Not only does purchasing and using individual fireworks dangerous, but it’s also illegal.

“State law provides for a fine of at least $500 and/or a year in jail upon conviction for violating fireworks laws,” per the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department website.

Illegal fireworks are deemed, “Any item that explodes, rises in the air or moves about the ground or any fireworks which is not approved and labeled “Safe and Sane” by the State Fire Marshal,” according to the L.A. County Sheriff’s website.

A list of illegal fireworks include:

• Sky Rockets
• Bottle Rockets
• Roman Candles
• Sky Rockets/ Mortars
• M-100 M-80
• Cherry Bombs Palomitas
• Fire Crackers Helicopters

If you are in possession of illegal fireworks, you may turn them into local fire and sheriff personnel.

Using fireworks dangerously can potentially give you burns, injuries and start fires.

If you decide to participate in the illegal activity of launching fireworks, please follow these safety tips provided by the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.

• “Always read directions and use common sense
• Use outdoors only – away from buildings, vehicles, dry grass and other flammable objects
• Light one at a time, then move away quickly
• Keep others at a safe distance
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never alter or take apart (fireworks)
• Do not give to young children under any circumstances
• Have a bucket of water handy for emergencies and for dousing misfired and spent fireworks
• Never attempt to re-light or fix malfunctioning fireworks”

If you or your family are looking for a firework show, be sure to attend the annual City of Santa Clarita 4th of July show.  The show will take place at Westfield Town Center beginning at 9:15 p.m.  If you want to attend, arrive early as parking fills up quickly.

KHTS-AM 1220 will also be providing the sounds of the season to set the mood of the firework show.

Be safe and have a Happy Fourth of July!