By Mary O’KEEFE

The County of Los Angeles Fire Code, Title 32, Section 5601.3, states that it is illegal to store, manufacture, sell, use or handle all forms of fireworks without a valid permit in the unincorporated areas of LA County. All fireworks, including safe and sane, are illegal.

All fireworks are illegal in the City of Los Angeles, SEC 57.55.01 (A) LA Municipal Code.

All fireworks including “safe and sane” are illegal in the City of Glendale

All fireworks including “safe and sane” are illegal in the City of La Cañada Flintridge

All fireworks including “safe and sane” are illegal in the City of Burbank.

Even with all of this information that all fireworks are illegal they are readily available to the public. Every fourth of July local residents shoot off fireworks – even on the side of nearby mountains, which raises fire risks.

Each year, usually during the first week of July, fire departments see an increase in the number of calls they respond to.

“Typically, during a July 4^th holiday, the GFD (Glendale Fire Dept.) responds to an increased [number] of calls as residents are a little more concerned [about fire risks]. They are on a heightened level of awareness/alert. For instance, if residents hear what they believe are fireworks going off, they will call it in or if they see smoke, they’re more likely to report it,” stated Cheryl Getuiza, spokeswoman with GFD. “The [calls] are more evident for folks living on the hillsides or in the high or very high fire hazard severity zones.”

This summer’s fire season has already begun with a total of 2,934 wildfires reported thus far. Southern California saw a lot of rain during the spring, which adds a lot of vegetation that is drying out as temperatures rise.

This fourth of July is going to be hot and the heat will continue past the date of the holiday.

“We are looking for temperatures to go upwards of 90 to 100 degrees [Fahrenheit] in many areas [including Crescenta Valley, Glendale and Burbank),” said Arial Cohen, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration).

Cohen stated in the local area the temperatures on the fourth of July may be a little lower but still quite warm – from 85 to 95 degrees.

NOAA has issued an excessive heat warning and an air quality alert.

An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average, lasting for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event.

Climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe and lasting longer, according to the American Red Cross.

Safety tips from the American Red Cross include:

* Drinking enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily. Everyone’s needs may vary. Check that enough water is being taken in by noting urine color. Dark yellow may indicate that not enough water is being drunk.

* Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.

* Those who are sweating a lot should combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals lost in sweat.

* People should talk to their doctor about how to prepare if they have a medical condition or are taking medicines.

* They also advised to make an effort to stay cool by spending a few hours each day in air conditioning. This can help prevent heat illness. Those who do not have air conditioning should find a cooling station.

* People should make sure they have plenty of lightweight loose clothing to wear.