Firework Reports Down In This Bay Area County During 4th Of July Celebrations: Police

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — The sheriff's office reported that fireworks-related calls during the last month were nearly cut in half compared to the year prior.

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office said they received 120 fewer calls from June 1 to July 6 compared to that same date range in 2024.

That is a 49% decrease in calls across the sheriff's jurisdiction, including Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, San Carlos, Portola Valley and Woodside as well, police said.

There may have been potential hesitation to call law enforcement due to federal immigration enforcement, as well as a shortage of fireworks due to supply chain disruptions, police said.

Sheriff Christina Corpus said the anonymous fireworks buyback program and increased public education regarding illegal fireworks and the dangers they pose as well as fireworks being illegal in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County and in most cities likely led to fewer calls.

“In 2023, I launched the anonymous fireworks buyback program as a strategy to help keep our neighborhoods peaceful during the Fourth of July season,” Corpus said. “I would like to thank our deputies and the community for keeping San Mateo County safer.”

The sheriff’s office held two anonymous fireworks buyback events leading up to July 4. Across both events, more than 150 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives were collected.