HAVE A SAFE 4TH OF JULY

More fires are reported on July 4 than any other day of the year; fireworks also cause many serious injuries each July

With the Fourth of July approaching, the Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit reminds San Diegans that it's illegal to possess and use fireworks in the county. It's also illegal to transport fireworks from elsewhere into San Diego County or to make homemade fireworks or explosives.

Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other items that explode, go up in the air, or move across the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted can be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.

A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission shows 200 people on average go to the emergency room every day with fireworks-related injuries in the month around the 4th of July holiday. Fireworks can cause burns, lacerations, amputations and blindness. Sparklers can burn at a temperature hot enough to melt gold.

The National Fire Protection Association says more fires are reported on July 4th than any other day of the year. Dry conditions elevate the risk that even small sparks created by fireworks can lead to grass and brush fires, which can rapidly spread.

Leave fireworks to the professionals. After the fireworks display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active.