Firework sales skyrocket this year, officials offer safety tips for lighting

FONTANA, Calif. - State approved fireworks are called “safe and sane.” They are not legal in the City of LA, but are in many other areas of Southern California like Fontana. 
 
For the past nine years FOX 11’s own Rick Lozano has a fireworks booth in Fontana. And this week he’s working to help his organization, “Christmas Cheers All Year’, which helps underprivileged kids.

He says selling fireworks is about the only fundraiser he’s been able to do this year because of the pandemic. And, according to Rick it’s going very well.
 
"Our first day of sales were about 7 to 800 more than they were last year. And for the 5 days we’ve been open each day they’ve been larger than the corresponding date last year. People are telling us they’re tired of being cooped up.”
 
“All of these major fireworks shows across Southern California have been cancelled so, they still want fireworks and in the cities where they’re allowed. They’re going to do them in their backyard that’s they’re interest … that’s what they’re going to do,” Lozano said. 

His organization is one of 3000 non-profits that benefit from the sale of safe and sane fireworks. TNT is the major provider of fireworks to stands in Southern California. 

Dennis Revell, TNT Fireworks Spokesman, says if you’re going to be using these there are some things you need to know.
 
“First and foremost only use state approved fireworks. You can tell they’re state approved by virtue of the state fire marshal seal on the box. Second, always have an adult present and in charge of the celebration. Third make sure you only light one state approved firework item at a time. Have a hose and a bucket of water handy…keep it away from dry grass on a hard solid surface,” Revel stated. 
 
And, the last thing is to soak fireworks you’ve used in a bucket of water for 24 hours after use.