Fireworks Remain Illegal, South Bay Fire Departments Remind

SAN JOSE, CA --If you're using fireworks to ring in the new year, fines could be ringing up if you're caught, South Bay fire departments from Redwood City to San Jose are reminding residents. Fireworks are illegal, dangerous and can result in fires and injuries.

Residents will incur fines for using, possessing, storing or selling illegal fireworks.

“We need the community’s assistance to stop illegal fireworks in San Jose,” Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. said.

The City has made it easy for residents to report illegal firework activity and will be issuing citations to violators this holiday season. San Jose residents can “Snap, Click, Report” violators online. The online tool will be active for reporting fireworks during the holiday season from Dec. 17 to Jan. 6, 2019.

It goes like this:

1. Snap: Safely take a photo or video of the person conducing the illegal activity.
2. Click: Visit www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks
3. Report: Complete the online form with as much information as possible regarding the activity. Residents can upload up to five separate photos or videos as evidence of illegal activity.

The City also offers a 24-hour hotline, 408-535-5600, to assist residents that do not have internet access and wish to report violators. If there is an active fire or medical emergency, residents should call 9-1-1.

All reports will be reviewed for sufficient evidence during these reporting periods. When the report includes sufficient information and evidence, the city’s Code Enforcement Division will issue citations.

For the sale, use, possession and storage of fireworks, fines will run:

• First violation of $500
• Second violation of $700 (within an 18-month period from the date of the previous violation)
• Third and subsequent violations of $1,000 (within the 18-month period from the date of the previous violation)

The sale of fireworks may result in a fine up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on the quantity.

Ditto for Redwood City

For nearly 70 years, the Peninsula Celebration Association has hosted an annual fireworks show in which they're professionally set off.

The Redwood City Council enacted the same set of fines on April 23 that coincide with its southern neighbor.

--Image via Shutterstock