The Santa Monica Fire and Police Departments are reminding everyone that all types of fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Monica as the July 4 holiday approaches.
This includes so-called “safe and sane” fireworks, which may not be used in Santa Monica even if they are legal in the city in which they are purchased.
The public is urged to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals.
According to the National Fire Protection Association:
— In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $32 million in direct property damage.
— In 2011, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,600 people for fireworks related injuries; 61% of 2010 emergency room fireworks-related injuries were to the extremities and 34% were to the head.
— The risk of fireworks injury was highest for children ages 5-19, and adults 25-44, in an atypical year of a very comparable risk across much of the population.
— On Independence Day in a typical year, far more U.S. fires are reported than on any other day, and fireworks account for two out of five of those fires, more than any other cause of fires.
