PALMDALE, Calif. -- They can bring a lot of fun, but they can also bring a lot of danger, which is why the city of Palmdale is gearing up for fireworks season.

It’s that time of year when red, white, and blue often means red, white, and boom.

“There’s an out of control problem, not just in the Antelope Valley, this is Southern California. It’s everywhere. Very dangerous and it seems to be accepted as ok. It is not ok,” said Palmdale Mayor Jim Ledford.

What is not ok? Illegal fireworks that make their way into communities, neighborhoods, and homes. Now, officials want you to know, they will get you cited.

“We’ve cited approximately 385 people since 2007, since we began this enforcement effort. It starts at $2500, and then it doubles each time, $5000 and then $10,000,” said Palmdale Sheriff’s Station Captain, Dennis Kneer.

The costly citations just aren’t worth it. Not only do illegal fireworks put you at risk, they put everyone around you in danger.

“The threat of fire is real. We’ve had in the past, multiple grass fires. We’ve also had structure fires start from somebody using illegal fireworks,” said LA County Fire Department Battalion Chief, Pat Rohaley.

But not all fireworks are banned here in the Antelope Valley. The city of Palmdale permits the use of safe and sane fireworks. The difference being the state fire marshal seal.

“This is a seal. This is an imprint on the packaging of any fireworks you buy that legally makes it a safe and sane firework,” said Rohaley.

But even the seal doesn't allow you to light your firework just anywhere. The city of Palmdale is the only area that allows safe and sane fireworks in the AV, meaning they are prohibited in Lancaster, as well as unincorporated communities including Littlerock, Quartz Hill, and Pearblossom. 

All fireworks are also prohibited in Fire Zone 4 in Palmdale. This includes:

• Areas south and west of Rancho Vista Boulevard
• 30th street west to Avenue N-8 South
• West of Avenue N-8 from Rancho Vista Boulevard to 55th Street West
• South from 55th Street West to 60th Street West (Godde Hill Road)

The sale of safe and sane fireworks will begin June 28 at noon. You can find a list of sites as well as interactive map that shows if your home is in a legal area for fireworks on the city’s website at cityofpalmdale.org.