County Fire Agencies Warn Community of the Extreme Danger of Fireworks
Published on June 28, 2022
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
June 28, 2022
PALO ALTO, CA – Fire agencies throughout Santa Clara County have partnered to remind residents that fireworks are illegal, dangerous and can result in fires and injuries that are easily preventable. Fines will be issued to anyone using, possessing, storing, or selling illegal fireworks. Santa Clara County’s ‘social host’ Fireworks Ordinance holds property owners responsible for the illegal use of fireworks on their property.
This year, the danger of fireworks-caused fires is extreme. “For the past several years we have been experiencing and continue to face unprecedented drought conditions and an ever increasing and very serious wildfire risk,” said Santa Clara County Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew. “We need the public's awareness and assistance more than ever. Help us prevent wildfires.”
A countywide public outreach and education campaign began June 27 to educate residents that when it comes to fireworks, “It’s Not Worth It” and illegal use can result in dangerous fires and serious injuries. Cities and towns throughout the County will focus efforts on enforcement. Community members are encouraged to report the use of illegal fireworks through the process determined by their home city or town.
“San José has experienced nearly 90 fireworks-related fires over the last two Independence Day holidays,” said San José Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. “Each of these fires caused property and environmental damage that was 100% preventable. If you see illegal fireworks being used in San José, help us hold violators accountable by reporting the activity online or by calling 311.”
“California has a zero-tolerance policy toward illegal fireworks,” said CAL FIRE SCU Unit Chief George Huang. “Large grass crops and abundant vegetation increase the threat for devastating wildfires throughout all of California and that is why we must take all precautions for this upcoming fire year.”
“Illegal fireworks present a significant threat to public safety and are a major contributor to devastating property loss. We are asking the community to recognize and honor the importance of laws banning fireworks and their intention of keeping neighborhoods safer for everyone,” added Deputy Chief Arthur Belton of the Milpitas Fire Department.
Community members are encouraged to participate in safe, legal and fun activities to celebrate Independence Day. The City of Palo Alto invites you to a free July 4th Summer Event. Located at Mitchell Park on Monday, July 4, from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., come enjoy live music, a variety of food trucks, and fun games/activities for kids. For details, go here.
"Fireworks are illegal in the City of Santa Clara and are a major cause of fires and burn injuries,” commented Chief Ruben Torres of the Santa Clara City Fire Department. “Leave it to the professionals and watch the show at Great America after spending the day picnicking at Central Park!" Wherever the community celebrates, Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs are also asking that the public be careful to maintain roadway access for emergency vehicles. “If we can’t get to the fire, we can’t put it out!” said Gilroy Fire Chief Jim Wyatt.
If there is an active fire or medical emergency, residents should call 9-1-1. To report illegal fireworks in Palo Alto, contact the 24-hour non-emergency dispatch center at (650) 329-2413.
Professional fireworks display planned in Santa Clara County this Fourth of July:
Cupertino:
Creekside Park (10455 Miller Avenue) @ 9:30 p.m.
Gilroy:
Gilroy High School (750 W. 10th Street) @ 9:30 p.m.
Milpitas:
Milpitas Sports Center (1325 E. Calaveras Boulevard) @ 9:30 p.m.
Mountain View:
Shoreline Amphitheater (One Amphitheatre Parkway) @ 9:30 p.m.
Morgan Hill:
Outdoor Sports Complex (16500 Condit Road) @ 9:30 p.m.
San Jose:
Discovery Meadow (180 Woz Way) @ 9:30 p.m.
Almaden Lake Regional Park (6099 Winfield Boulevard) @ 9:30 p.m.
Santa Clara:
Great America (4701 Great America Parkway) @ 9:30 p.m.
For more about the City of Palo Alto, go to
For the City's dedicated webpage on the illegal use of fireworks, go to /fireworks
###
ABOUT THE CITY OF PALO ALTO
Palo Alto, known as the “Birthplace of Silicon Valley,” is home to 69,700 residents and nearly 100,000 jobs. Unique among city organizations, the City of Palo Alto operates a full-array of services including its own gas, electric, water, sewer, refuse and storm drainage provided at very competitive rates for its customers. The City of Palo Alto offers robust community amenities including 36 parks, 39 playgrounds, five community and youth centers, 41 miles of walking/biking trails and five libraries. The City also manages a regional airport and provides fire, police and emergency services. Palo Alto is an award-winning City recognized nationally as innovative and well-managed, one of a small number of California cities with a AAA bond rating. City services and performance also receive high marks from community members in the annual citizen survey conducted by Polco (previously National Research Center).
As the global center of technology and innovation, Palo Alto is the corporate headquarters and research facility for many world-class companies such as VMWare, Hewlett-Packard, and Tesla. Home to Stanford University and a top-ranked public school system, Palo Alto also features beautiful and historic residential neighborhoods, vibrant shopping and retail districts. Palo Alto has a highly educated and culturally sophisticated citizenry that is actively engaged in making a difference both locally and globally.
For more information, visit the City of Palo Alto’s website at , or follow the City on Twitter, Facebook, Medium, Next Door and Instagram, by going to /connect. Sign-up for City newsletters by going to /newslettersignup.
Sent By:
Meghan Horrigan-Taylor
Chief Communications Officer
City Manager's Office
Office Phone: 650-329-2607
Email: Meghan.Horrigan-Taylor@paloalto.gov