Police to Start Enforcing Zero Tolerance Policy for Illegal Fireworks

Noon today officially marked the opening of fireworks season in San Bruno.

It also means the is officially starting its campaign to enforce the city's zero tolerance policy for illegal fireworks.

As one of only two cities in San Mateo County to allow safe and sane fireworks for the Fourth of July, 17 fireworks booths—mostly run by nonprofit organizations—opened for business today, meaning there will be plenty of fountains, sparklers and wheels being bought and sold this week.

However, the City Council passed an ordinance in 2009 increasing the fines to $1,000 for anyone caught with up to 25 pounds of illegal fireworks. So officers will be providing extra patrol throughout the city to enforce the ordinance, said police Cmdr. Noreen Hanlon.

"Unfortunately, the misuse of safe and sane fireworks and the use of dangerous fireworks, such as bottle rockets, firecrackers and M-80s are all too common in San Bruno during the Fourth of July holiday," Hanlon said in a news release.

No current figures were available on illegal fireworks activity. But according to minutes from a council meeting held before the city's fireworks ordinance was originally passed in 2005, illegal fireworks use was at one point at an all-time high. In 2004, the Fire Department responded to three times the number of incidents than normal. And as firefighters were responding to a small fire on Atlantic Avenue, people threw M-80s and M-1000s at a fire engine, the minutes stated.

Now, according to the city's policy, safe and sane fireworks can only be used in San Bruno from today to July 3, between noon and 10 p.m. and from noon until midnight on July 4. Safe and sane fireworks are only allowed on private property, 10 feet from any structure, and they are not allowed on any public street, park, school, parking lot or any vacant area open to the public.

To report the illegal use of fireworks, residents can call 650-616-7100.