Kern County firefighters say less illegal fireworks were shot off this 4th of July than in previous years. Firefighters issued 43 citations while dispatchers took 474 calls reporting those fireworks. Crews also reported seeing fewer fireworks this year while out on patrol.

County Fire Captain Knaggs believes better education and the 4th falling on a Tuesday were the main reasons people were less likely to shoot off fireworks.

Bakersfield firefighters also stepped up their patrols and have handed out at least 50 citations so far.

Kelli Forsch