As our neighbors to the south and west battle with runaway wildfires, it is not surprising that fireworks of any kind are illegal in the Mountain Communities.

Kern County Fire Chief Brian Marshall reminded residents this month of the extreme fire danger we all face in this continuing drought.

Illegal fireworks will be dealt with seriously. He asked that families make plans for safe fun during the Fourth of July holiday.

If a “big bang” is essential for your Fourth of July fun, you’ll love the cannon salute at Fort Tejon State Historic Park. The cannon fire at Fort Tejon will be the only exception.

The American Academy of Opthalmology is also reminding parents that fireworks as a cause of eye injuries are on the rise, going from 600 emergency room visits in 2011 to 1,300 in 2014—more than double.

This is part of the June 24, 2016 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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