Fire chief recommends professional fireworks, not ‘do it yourself’

Ventura County Fire Chief Bob Roper recommends that the safest way to enjoy fireworks on the Fourth of July is to attend an outdoor public display put on by professional pyrotechnic operators.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, about 8,800 people yearly are treated in emergency rooms for injuries from fireworks. Over half of the injuries are burns, and most of the injuries involve the hands, eyes and head.

About half of the victims are under 15 years old.

Fireworks are illegal in all local cities and unincorporated areas.

Fireworks also cause wildfires and structure fires. Hot, dry summer temperatures and fireworks make a deadly combination. Those responsible for causing fires with fireworks can be fined for the cost of firefighting and property damages.

Ventura County fire prevention officers, investigators and local citizens’ patrols will be out in force to patrol the county from July 1 through 4 to enforce the fireworks ordinance.

Be safe and remember: •Fireworks are illegal in lo

cal areas. •Attend a professional fire

works display. •Fireworks aren’t toys. •Never give fireworks to chil

dren. •Never experiment with fire

works. •Teach children that fireworks are explosives. •If fireworks are found, en

courage children to give them to

an adult. •Never leave young children

alone with an open flame. •Remember to stop, drop and

roll if clothes catch on fire.

The following is a list of pro

fessional fireworks displays in

Ventura County:

9 p.m. Sun., July 3 at Arroyo

Vista Community Park, Tierra

Rejada at Countrywood, Moor

park.

9 p.m. Mon., July 4 at Simi

Valley High School, 5400

Cochran St., Simi Valley.

9 p.m. Mon., July 4 at the hill

top behind The Oaks mall on

Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks.