• The Publisher’s Notebook •

Safety First on the Fourth in Malibu

BY ANNE SOBLE

Despite some Southland cities’ unwillingness to crack down on local groups that are so short-sighted as to be willing to put lives and property in danger by continuing to sell the so-called, and anything but, safe-and-sane fireworks, clearer heads in­creasingly prevail. Until these sales are completely curbed, however, for the few dollars that could just as easily be raised other ways, the Fourth of July week­end will result in num­erous injuries to people and animals and the potential threat of starting a major conflagration when close to 1500 uncontained wildfires rage throughout the rest of the state. Any adverse effects from the use of these “unsafe-and-insane” fireworks rest squarely on the shoulders of the organizations that persist in this irresponsibility.
Fireworks of any kind, even seemingly in­noc­uous ones, are illegal in the City of Malibu and unincorporated Malibu. This ban covers all public property, including the beaches, as well as all private property. The fire danger is currently so high that officials are urging that incidents of fireworks use be reported to law enforcement authorities. Because of the tinder dry conditions, all other outdoor fires, such as barbecues, should also be closely monitored at all times, even if wind conditions remain peaceful.
Those needing pyrotechnic fixes can find them in the form of offshore fireworks displays set for Friday. Permits have been issued for two 9 p.m. shows—one from a barge off the Malibu Colony, the other off 27900 Pacific Coast Highway. A third may yet be slated for the west end. Whether or not your Fourth of July comes with the noise, smoke and smell of explosives, have a wonderful holiday.