BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Fireworks are synonymous with Independence Day, and to make sure the celebrations stay safe the Fireworks Task Force is hitting the streets.

A total of 39 Fireworks Task Force teams will hit the streets of Kern County over the Fourth of July weekend, looking for anyone using fireworks illegally.

The task force is a joint operation by the Kern County Fire Department and the Sheriff's Office. According to Fire Department Captain Brandon Smith the task force will be out in force. "If (a Task Force Team) notices an area with a lot of aerial fireworks, they'll respond to that area. If a call comes in we'll respond to that area."

It's a $1500 fine for using illegal fire works or misusing a legal firework, for example, throwing a legal firework is considered illegally modifying it.

Capt. Smith says they get 100 to 150 calls an hour during the holiday weekend.

The manpower for the Task Force is paid with the fines from the citations they write, but that's not the reason the Task Force exists. "Our ultimate goal is that everyone has a good time," said Capt. Smith. "Enjoy the Fourth of July. Just be safe."

To report the use of an illegal firework call the Task Force hot line at (661) 868-FIRE.