OAKLAND -- The fact that fireworks are illegal and potentially dangerous did not prevent many Oakland residents from setting them off on Friday night.

KTVU's Amber Lee found adults and children playing with fireworks on 100th Avenue. "I spent a hundred dollars for my kids, for the Fourth of July", said Vitalino Acabal of Oakland. He insisted it was just part of summer vacation fun.

A few blocks away, a four year old girl and her 12 year old brother were setting off bottle rockets. Their 15 year old sister said their parents weren't home, but it's part of her family's tradition to set off fireworks. She also said her family buys them legally.

Across the street from that family, two men in their 20's said fireworks should not be outlawed. "I've been playing with fireworks since I was pretty much in diapers", said Jeff Myers.

Paramedics have a different view on fireworks. AMR Paramedic Supervisor Rick Oliver said that in Oakland alone there are dozens of calls for help every year from people burned by fireworks. "It's absolutely crazy, we'll run from call to call," said Oliver. "There will be various injuries, burns to the hands, burns to the face."

Oakland firefighters were also busy Friday night. At 6:40 p.m. they responded to a grassfire that broke out across from Castlemont High School. Firefighters said they suspected the cause was illegal fireworks.