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Have a Safe Fourth of July Without the Risk
Leave the Fireworks to the Professionals and Enjoy a Safe Holiday
This week, Americans are celebrating one of the most important dates in our country’s history-Independence Day. The Fourth of July is a holiday when family and friends get together and share good food, fun, and traditionally fireworks.
Those blazing lights illuminating the night sky are great to watch, but they can be very harmful to our communities and environment.
All fireworks are illegal for residents to own, use or sell in San José. Fireworks labeled “safe and sane,” like sparklers and firecrackers, are also illegal in San José and many parts of Santa Clara County.
Whether you are the one striking the match, or just spectating, know that you are engaging in an illegal act that is subject to a fine or even jail time.
Beginning in December of 2020, residents can face a fine of up to $3,000 for involvement in an illegal Fireworks show. Selling fireworks can result in a fine of up to $50,000 plus jail time, depending on the situation.
From protecting ourselves to our natural landscapes, there are many reasons to avoid illegal fireworks all together.
As of June 11, 2024, San José Fire Department (SJFD) has officially declared it is wildfire season, so we need to be extra cautious to protect our homes and each other.
“San José is a region that can experience high temperatures and dry conditions, which makes it very vulnerable to wildfires,” explained Merlina San Nicolás, Public Information Representative for SJFD. “When you combine wildfire season with fireworks and hot weather, it is a recipe for disaster.”
Many areas throughout the city have natural open spaces, green parks, or forested areas that are very vulnerable to wildfires. Countless homes and businesses are in or near these places, so there is a heightened need to protect the people living there and their property.
There are the individual struggles that come with experiencing loss due to a fire. San Nicolás shared that:
“Emotionally, it is a traumatic event to go through. Losing your property, the place you call home, is quite devastating, and we can't even begin to explain what it is like losing a loved one. Monetarily, it can take forever to recover from losing your property in a fire.”
Just the noise from fireworks can cause issues. The loud sounds may scare or startle pets and wildlife. This causes stress, anxiety, or even shock in severe cases. Fireworks can also cause direct injury to the user, spectators, and anyone nearby the area.
Our neighborhood and county parks are vulnerable places where a small fire can quickly destroy much of the land. These parks also serve as a home for wildlife, so a fire from illegal fireworks can be dangerous for these animals.
In addition, fires caused by fireworks strains our first responders, straining these resources from other emergencies.
It’s simply not worth it to use fireworks on your own.
You can still take part in an American tradition and enjoy the holiday without the risk by attending professional fireworks show managed by experts. The City of San José is hosting two free fireworks shows this Fourth of July at:
- Almaden Lake Regional Park - 6099 Winfield Blvd, San José, CA 95120
- Festivities: 3:00 P.M.; Fireworks: 9:15 P.M.
- Lake Cunningham Park - 2305 S. White Rd., San José, CA 95148
- Festivities: 7:00 P.M.; Fireworks: 9:00 P.M.
Find a spot by the lake and enjoy the shimmering fireworks safely!
Let’s protect our homes and communities, while also helping our neighbors and pets feel safe this Fourth of July. Leave the fireworks to the pros and enjoy a safe and “fire” (awesome) holiday.
“We encourage residents to attend professional shows where they can feel at peace that their property and loved ones will not be harmed, and they can enjoy a spectacular, fun show,” San Nicolás says.
If you see unpermitted fireworks use taking place, visit 311.sanjoseca.gov or use the 311 San José mobile app to report the incident. You can also dial 3-1-1 or 408-535-5600 to report illegal fireworks activity.
Please keep in mind that this is only a report, so no officers will be sent to the scene. If there is an emergency or crime, call 9-1-1 or 408-277-8911 right away.
To learn more about Illegal Fireworks in San José, please visit bit.ly/fireworksinSJ
If you would like to learn more about PRNS, please visit sanjoseca.gov/prns. The ActivateSJ Strategic Plan is the City of San José's Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) plan to maintain, improve and expand our facilities, programs, and services. The plan guides how we care for and develop a diverse park system and an abundance of recreation programs and services for all in San José.
ActivateSJ’s mission is to connect people through parks, recreation, and neighborhood services for an active San José. To learn more about our department’s plan and vision to move forward, visit activatesj.org.