Star Light, Star Bright

Fireworks have come a long way since the 12th century when the Chinese set fire to bamboo stuffed with saltpeter, sulfur and charcoal.

Today, the most advanced fireworks have entered the computer age.

Elaborate shows--including those seen at Dodgers and Angels baseball games--use a new digital firing system that allows for precision timing.

As increasing numbers of cities in recent years have outlawed backyard fireworks, people have flocked to professional holiday shows.

Possession, sale and discharge of fireworks are illegal in the city of Los Angeles, as well as 52 of the 88 incorporated cities in Los Angeles County and all unincorporated county areas.

Locally, only Palmdale permits limited sales and discharge of fireworks within city limits.

Here’s a look at just how fireworks operate:

Behind the Scenes

The California State Fire Marshal has licensed 482 people to perform fireworks shows. Usually, two people light the fireworks, while four others reload the mortars and several others monitor the explosions.

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The Shell

1. Two to three feet of fast fuse is hand-lit using a road flare.

2. Fuse carries fire to gunpowder lift charge.

3. Charge explodes, propelling shell into the air at 300 to 400 mph.

4. A separate shell fuse ignites the burst charge about four seconds after the lift charge.

5. Chemical cubes in shell explode producing colored sparks.

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The Mortar

Cardboard or metal mortar: 3- to 6-inch diameter, buried to three quarters of its length.

Sky Designs

Fireworks patterns include peony, chrysanthemum, spiderweb, palm tree, red-tipped comet and finale. The pattern is produced by the size of the glittering “stars,” the type of packing inside a shell and the shape of the shell itself.

United Colors

Red: Strontium nitrate or carbonate

Blue: Copper salts

Yellow: Sodium salts

Green: Barium nitrate or chlorate

Orange/amber: Charcoal or iron

White: Magnesium or aluminum powder

A Pretty Penny

In a professional show, fireworks are both plentiful and costly. An average of 250 fireworks are discharged during a small show and up to 500 in a large show, plus 150 in the finale. The small shows cost about $7,500 and run about 12 minutes while the bigger ones can run $12,000 to $15,000 and last 20 minutes.

L.A. County Events

Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena

The most lavish fireworks show in Southern California begins at 9:30 p.m., after the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer game. Admission for soccer game and fireworks show ranges from $9 to $17. Parking is $5; $10 after 8 p.m.

(626) 577-3100

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Hollywood Bowl

2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood

The Los Angeles Philharmonic begins its traditional musical celebration with “Suite From Ragtime,” followed by a grand finale of fireworks. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations required; prices vary.

(213) 850-2000

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Hansen Dam Sports Center Amphitheatre

Foothill Boulevard at the Foothill Freeway,

Lake View Terrace

Park opens at 8 a.m., carnival noon to midnight, free daylong entertainment, fireworks at 9 p.m.

Carnival admission: $5.95 per person (unlimited rides); fireworks free

(818) 756-7558

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Queen Mary

1126 Queens Highway, Pier J, Long Beach

Fireworks over Long Beach Habor begin at 9 p.m. Parking is 45 in the Queen Mary lot. General admission includes tour, dance, and fireworks. Adults, $12; seniors, $10; children 4 to 11, $7.

(562) 435-3511

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Long Beach Veterans Stadium

5000 Lew Davis Drive, Long Beach

Long Beach Fire Department’s annual event kicks off with music, a parade and picnics. Adults, $7; senior citizens and children 5 to 11, $5. Start at 5:30 p.m.

(562) 493-9069

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Fairplex

1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona

Annual Kaboom Celebration starts at 3 p.m., with fireworks at 9 p.m. Adults, $5; children 6 to 12, $3. Parking is $5 at Gate 17

(909) 623-3111

For information about professional fireworks shows throughout Los Angeles County, call (800) 900-FIRE. Often shows sell out, so purchase tickets in advance when possible.

Sources: Pyro Spectaculars Inc., California State Fire Marshal, Los Angeles County Fire Department. Researched by STEPHANIE STASSEL/Los Angeles Times