Reasons Why You Should Leave Fireworks to the Professionals
by City Manager Ken Striplin
Santa Clarita experienced record-breaking rain this year, transforming our hillsides into a vibrant green. However, as we move deeper into the summer with high temperatures and Fourth of July celebrations occurring, the risk of fires will increase significantly. Despite the efforts of the new goats currently clearing dry brush at the Rivendale and Towsley Open Spaces, our hillsides still contain a fair amount of dry brush that can ignite into a devastating blaze from the smallest spark. This Fourth of July, please consider the safety of yourself and your neighbors and leave the fireworks to the professionals.
As a reminder, all fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Clarita, even those labeled “safe and sane.” Small embers from a simple sparkler can quickly ignite brush and cause untold damage to our neighborhoods. Fireworks not only pose a significant risk to ourselves and neighbors, but also scare our pets, with the most runaways reported over the holiday than any other time of year. For safety tips on how to keep your pets safe this Fourth of July, follow our latest fireworks safety campaign on social media.
Instead of risking injury to yourself or loved ones, take advantage of the professional fireworks shows happening throughout the valley. I encourage you to join the community with your family and friends to celebrate this patriotic holiday by attending the Fourth of July Firework Celebration. Starting at approximately 9:15 p.m., watch as the fireworks light up the night sky over Valencia Town Center. KHTS will host a soundtrack patriotically paired with the show, broadcasting on AM 1220. Additionally, our neighbor to the west, Six Flags Magic Mountain, will present a spectacular fireworks display over the roller coasters from July 4 through July 7.
I wish all of you a happy and safe Fourth of July. For more information about fireworks safety and resources, visit SantaClarita.gov/Emergency-Management.
City Manager Ken Striplin can be reached at kstriplin@santaclarita.gov.
