Boom! Hear that?

That's the sound of fireworks being illegally discharged.

Fireworks stands have popped up across Santa Maria, but they aren't allowed to sell fireworks until noon on Thursday, and they sell only the “safe and sane” kind that might fizz or flame but don't explode.

Fire and law enforcement personnel will be out in force before and during the holiday to ensure that fireworks are being used lawfully.

Only fireworks marked with the “Safe and Sane” logo from the Office of the State Fire Marshal are permitted in Santa Maria.

“It if goes up or blows up, it's illegal,” said Larry Comerford, Santa Maria city fire inspector/investigator .

Fireworks enthusiasts have until July 6 to use up their supply, Comerford said. He said those who discharge fireworks prior to July 3 will likely be warned to put them away, and could be penalized.

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Anyone caught with an illegal firework will be handed a $1,000 administrative citation and a criminal citation, Comerford said. Before last year, illegal firework offenders were just given a criminal citation, he said.

“We kicked this off last year, and it worked quite well,” Comerford said.

Other rules applying to Santa Maria fireworks sales include: Those purchasing fireworks must be at least 16, and fireworks must stay within Santa Maria city limits. Even taking the fireworks in a vehicle on the highway is illegal, Comerford said.

Santa Maria police Sgt. Larry Vernon said that there will be criminal consequences for altering Safe and Sane fireworks.

Santa Maria police will join with other area agencies to enforce the laws pertaining to fireworks both before and during the holiday, Vernon said.

“The stance is pretty much a zero tolerance,” he said.

Elsewhere in Santa Barbara County, with the exception of Guadalupe, it is illegal to sell and discharge fireworks. The San Luis Obispo County cities of Arroyo Grande, Oceano, Grover Beach, Templeton and San Miguel allow fireworks, said California Department of Forestry Battalion Chief Andy Andersen.

Possession of illegal fireworks in San Luis Obispo County carries a $2,000 fine in addition to a criminal citation, Andersen said.

Santa Barbara County Fire Department Capt. Eli Iskow said that even Safe and Sane fireworks cause injuries to children each year.

“We in the county believe there is no such thing as Safe and Sane fireworks,” he said. “It's a marketing tool.”

Iskow said he believes the best policy is to allow no personal use of fireworks.

Santa Maria Mayor Larry Lavagnino, however, pointed to the benefit reaped by local nonprofit organizations that receive the fireworks-sale profits.

There are between 26 and 28 booths run by nonprofit groups permitted to set up in Santa Maria this Independence Day, Comerford said.

Lavagnino said that for some local groups, firework sales are the only form of revenue.

“A lot of these guys would have to go find a different method of raising funds,” Lavagnino said, adding that he didn't see the City Council willing to risk nonprofit groups losing funds by ruling against fireworks in the city.

Comerford urged those who use fireworks at home to stay away from dry vegetation and to light them on the sidewalk or the street. He suggested those lighting fireworks keep a five gallon bucket of water nearby in which to place used fireworks.

Illegal firework use may be reported to the Santa Maria Fire Department by calling 925-0951 ext. 3473, or to the Santa Maria Police Department at 928-3781.

For those who would rather let the professionals put on the fireworks show, the annual Santa Maria fireworks display will be held beginning at 9 p.m. on the Fourth of July at the Santa Maria Fairpark.

The show, which was almost canceled two years ago due to lack of funds, will cost $16,000 this year and will be sponsored by the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce, Mid-State Bank and the City of Santa Maria Parks and Recreation Department, said Fairpark CEO Dennis Pearson.

The display is open to the public free of charge.

“It's going to go up in smoke,” Pearson said.

Safety tips

Some fireworks advice from the Santa Barbara County Fire Department:

Attend a professional

fireworks display instead of lighting your own

Never give fireworks, even sparklers, to children

Teach children that

fireworks are explosive devices

Remember to stop, drop and roll if your clothes catch on fire

Report illegal fireworks to your local police, sheriff's or fire department

Samantha Yale can be reached at 739-2159 or syale@santamariatimes.com.