PUBLISHED 7/1/08 -----

It paid dividends two years ago when the City of Bakersfield declared it illegal to sell and use Piccolo Petes and ground bloom-type fireworks, and then stepped up fireworks enforcement. Let’s hope it pays again this year.

Not too long ago, Bakersfield Fire Chief Ron Fraze described a July 4th holiday in the city as being like living in war-torn Beirut, Lebanon. Structures were on fire and people were injured. There was even a death as people set off legal and illegal fireworks.

Drawing a line in the public-safety sand, city and county fire officials convinced our elected leaders to set limits on sales and increase penalties for illegal behavior. Last year in metropolitan Bakersfield, celebrations were safer as a result.

Special police and fire department enforcement teams are back on the street this week, hoping to keep our community safe during the holiday. They will need our help.

If you know of anyone buying or selling illegal fireworks, or using any type of fireworks in an unsafe manner, call the temporary hotline number (868-6070) established just for this purpose. On Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights you can call and report illegal or unsafe use.

The hotline is not meant for emergencies, however — those still must be reported by calling 911. And the city’s Fire Department also maintains a hotline at 326-FIRE for reporting general fire concerns.

We also must heed tightened rules that restrict the sale, possession and use of fireworks. Fireworks can only be purchased within the city limits from noon today through 12:01 a.m. on July 5.

In the city, the sale, possession and use of Piccolo Petes or other whistling-type fireworks and ground bloom-type fireworks is prohibited. These fireworks are easily modified, making them more destructive.

The county balked at a similar ban, but has joined with the city in dispatching special enforcement teams during the holiday to make sure only “safe and sane” fireworks are being used and sale periods restricted. Teams confiscate illegal fireworks and issue citations that carry fines of up to $1,500. The minimum fine is $500.

While families are encouraged not to buy fireworks for home use, those who do must buy only those marked “safe and sane.” Buyers are reminded that these explosives are dangerous and their use restricted.

Some tips from the Bakersfield Fire Department include:

• Have an adult present.

• Ignite outdoors, away from people, structures, vehicles, dry grass and other combustibles.

• Never alter or disassemble fireworks, re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks or light ones that have loose fuses or leaking powder, or allow small children to ignite or handle fireworks.

• Never throw fireworks at another person.

• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.

• Keep animals away from fireworks.

• Keep a source of water nearby.