On this upcoming 4th of July, the City of Santa Clara urges everyone to stay safe and not engage in illegal fireworks. The City urges residents to attend a permitted professional fireworks shows, such as the 4th of July All-City Picnic & Fireworks Extravaganza at Central Park.
The City is reminding residents that the possession and discharge of any fireworks, including “Safe and Sane” fireworks, are illegal in Santa Clara and in most of Santa Clara County. Illegal fireworks include bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers, and sparklers.
According to the National Safety Council, in 2017, eight people died and over 12,000 were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents. Fireworks also start an average of 18,500 fires each year. Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit — hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. Sparklers alone account for more than 25 percent of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries — glow sticks are a safer alternative.
“Please do not engage in illegal fireworks — it’s inconsiderate to your neighbors, needlessly scares veterans, children and pets, is unsafe and could lead to fines,” says the City. “Illegal fireworks are dangerous, should not be used, and pose a hazard to you and the community.”
Report Illegal Fireworks
Residents are asked to report the following circumstances:
- Injury: call 9-1-1
- Fire: call 9-1-1
- Property damage: non-emergency number, 408-615-5580
- Sale of fireworks: non-emergency number, 408-615-5580
- Knowledge of an exact location where fireworks are being set off: call the non-emergency number, 408-615-5580
Administrative citations may be issued to violators as staffing allows. The fine for the first infraction is $250 and/or up to $1000 and/or jail for up to 6 months. The penalty is more severe if the discharge of fireworks results in a personal injury or property damage.
Santa Clara Municipal Code section 15.60.280 states: The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited.
Attend a Safe-Sanctioned Public Fireworks Show
The community is encouraged to enjoy permitted fireworks shows held by licensed professionals in Santa Clara.
- City of Santa Clara 4th of July All-City Picnic & Fireworks Extravaganza at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd. on Thursday, July 4, 2019 starting at 12 p.m. Fireworks begin at 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. SantaClaraCA.gov/4thofjuly
- California’s Great America hosts a fireworks show on Thursday, July 4 and Friday, July 5, 2019 at 9:45 p.m. Admission requires park tickets, military personnel admission is free. www.cagreatamerica.com
