597 Fireworks Confiscated, 2 Arrests And 1 Gun Seized During July 4th In San Mateo County

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Police deployed additional resources to stop illegal fireworks use Friday in Redwood City and seized nearly 600 fireworks.

On Friday, Redwood City Police Department officers said they confiscated 597, illegal fireworks, issued 65 warnings, located five homes containing illegal fireworks, arrested two people, seized one gun and one fire was extinguished by the Redwood City Fire Department.

"Our goal is not just to enforce the law, but to prevent injuries and fires before they happen. Illegal fireworks put entire neighborhoods at risk. We appreciate the community members who reported violations and helped us intervene before more serious incidents occurred,” said Kristina Bell, RCPD chief.

Police said the two arrests involved serious mortar-style fireworks, the gun was seized during an arrest and the fire was put out at an arrest location.

"Fireworks are illegal in Redwood City due to the significant dangers they pose, particularly during the dry summer months. They have been known to spark fires, cause serious injuries and generate an influx of emergency service calls. The use of illegal fireworks also increases the risk of gunshot misidentification, putting residents and first responders at further risk," police said.

Also during the Independence Day celebration, the RCPD said they deployed a team of drones to take to the sky and help identify sources of illegal fireworks.