There's really only one thing you need to know about consumer fireworks: all consumer fireworks are illegal in the City and County of San Diego. That includes sparklers, firecrackers, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and even poppers. All consumer fireworks are illegal in the City and County of San Diego.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says there is no safe way to use consumer fireworks. According to NFPA research, there are far more U.S. fires reported on a typical Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires, more than any other cause of fires. In 2008, fireworks caused an estimated 22,500 reported fires, including 1,400 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 20,600 outside and other fires. These fires resulted in an estimated $42 million in direct property damage.

In 2008, 7,000 fireworks-related injuries were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms. The highest injury rates were for teenagers ages 15 to 19 and children aged 5 to 9.

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department Bomb Squad urges you to obey the law and leave fireworks to professionals.