Lighting fireworks at the Fourth of July block party is a common tradition in Sacramento, and local firefighters shared tips to make sure those fireworks are used properly so the holiday is a safe one. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District Assistant Chief Dale Turner said the two most important safety concerns with fireworks are making sure they are used correctly with adult supervision and that they are used in a safe area away from combustible materials. There should also be 30 feet of pavement, concrete or dirt around fireworks to ensure no fires are started, Sacramento Fire Department Deputy Chief Lloyd Ogan said. He added that only “Safe and Sane” fireworks are legal to use in the

The City of Sacramento reminds residents and visitors to be safe this July 4th Holiday weekend. Below are a few friendly reminders: • The City and County of Sacramento require that anybody under the age of 13 must wear a life jacket while in the regions’ waterways. • Children should be supervised at all times when fireworks are in use; even Safe and Sane fireworks can cause injury. Do not let your children run with sparklers and ensure that they maintain a safe distance from others while handling them to avoid accidental burns. Always have a functioning hose ready to fully extinguish used fireworks. • And, please do not drink and drive. Given the historically high volume of calls over

East Sac held its annual July 4 parade and get together. Here's some snapshots:         SacPress Photos | Kati Garner      

If you can't make it to watch tonight's fireworks show somewhere, check these babies out from Raley Field last night: SacPress Photos | Kati Garner

                         Tom Ford and his daughter Kennedy prepare their front yard anticipating the July 4th parade that goes down their East Sac street. The block party along 41st St. starts at 10am. Ford built a 400 sq. ft stage in front of his front porch which will host the band Q-Balls. Behind the red, white and blue post is a cantina which will serve drinks. Parade begins at 11am.                                       Ford's neighbor Joe Riehl delivers the signs for Tom's cantina. In the bed of the pickup is a ping-pong table for tournaments after the parade. A taco eating contest will take place nearby. Riehl says he and Ford are the "unofficial" co-chairs of the parade.