Don't Get Burned With Illegal Fireworks, S. Bay Fire Units Advise

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Independence Day doesn't mean Americans are free to be obnoxious, careless and reckless. With the 4th of July just days away, South Bay and Peninsula fire departments and districts from Redwood City south to Gilroy want to remind their communities that fireworks are dangerous and illegal.

“Safety is our top priority, and we are taking enforcement measures to prevent injuries and fires,” San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien Jr. said. “If you see illegal fireworks activity, report it.”

The metro area has an online tool for such a report that began June 1 and will remain available through the duration of the period ending July 8. This year, the city has updated the online reporting tool in multiple languages.

Illegal fireworks reporting is a two-way street.

"Complete and accurate reports from the community are key in our ability to take an enforcement action. Without their help, we would not be successful in curbing illegal firework activity,” said Rachel Roberts, acting deputy director in code enforcement.

With the site, San Jose residents can “snap, click and report” violators online.

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

The city also offers a 24 hour hotline at 408-535-5600, to assist residents that do not have Internet access and wish to report violators. All reports will be reviewed for sufficient evidence during this reporting period. If the report includes sufficient information and evidence, the city’s Code Enforcement Division will issue citations.

Penalties for illegal fireworks include:

•  $500 for a first violation
•  $700 for a second violation (within an 18-month period from date of previous violation)
•  $1,000 for a third violation (within an 18-month period from date of previous violation)
•  The sale of fireworks may result in a fine of up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on quantity.

Residents are encouraged to attend professional fireworks shows, instead of using fireworks on
their own. Professional, permitted shows for the evening of the 4th of July range from Almaden Lake Park and Discovery Meadow to Excite Stadium where the San Jose Giants minor league baseball team plays.

The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 involving structures 300 with vehicles. These fires caused an average of three deaths, 40 civilian injuries and $43 million in direct property damage.

Going north won't make fireworks any more legal.

Fireworks in Redwood City are also illegal.

The City Council approved increased fines of up to $1,000 to reduce the use of fireworks in the community. In addition, the California Health and Safety Code penalties can amount up to $50,000 and potential jail time if a violator is caught using illegal fireworks.

Santa Clara has seen its fair share of fire in recent days and wants its citizens to refrain from any opportunity to start a new fire.

This South Bay city urges revelers wanting to hold something that lights to use glow sticks, given sparklers alone account for more than a quarter of emergency room visits according to the National Safety Council. They may seem innocent enough but can burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. This calculation is hot enough to melt some metals and ignite clothing.

In 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured bad enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents.