Fireworks Information

Updated May 2023

Dangerous and Illegal Firework Use May Lead to Fines and Imprisonment

Illegal fireworks remain dangerous and illegal and can have unintended consequences, including housefires, wildfires, and personal injury.

Gilroy police officers will be stepping up enforcement through the July 4th weekend, including citing property owners or renters upon which property the fireworks are being set off. New this year, officers will also be able to cite persons using illegal fireworks or fireworks in an illegal manner on public property.

Illegal firework use may lead to fines and imprisonment with administrative citations in the City of Gilroy starting at $1,000. Any subsequent violations will start at $2,000. Subsequent violations are calculated on an ongoing basis, so if an offender was issued one citation in 2022, any citations issued in 2023 will be considered a subsequent violation and thus subject to the larger fine amounts. Offenders may also be subject to criminal citations. 

For more information about Firework Citations and Enforcement, view the City's Fireworks Code.

Gilroy officers will be stepping up enforcement through the July 4th weekend, including using drone footage to identify offending properties.

Gilroy’s Annual Fireworks Show

July 4, 2023 at approximately 9:30 PM

One of the safest ways to celebrate the 4th of July and enjoy fireworks is through Gilroy's annual fireworks show.  

The show will take place on July 4, 2023, with the fireworks beginning around dusk at approximately 9:30 PM and originating from Gilroy High School located at 750 W 10^th Street. 

Fireworks can be viewed from nearby neighborhoods and at Christmas Hill Park.

Residents are encouraged to avoid the traffic by walking or biking to see the show.

July 4th Fireworks Displays Throughout the Bay Area

Official Flyer

In a recent press release, fire agencies representing all of Santa Clara County urged the community to leave the fireworks to the professionals to avoid injury and fire.

When it comes to illegal fireworks, the risk does not outweigh the reward. “It is imperative to recognize and understand the true danger of illegal fireworks,” explained Gilroy Fire Chief Jim Wyatt. “Every year, we see people seriously and permanently injured because they underestimate the power of these fireworks.”

Community members are encouraged to attend professional fireworks displays hosted throughout Santa Clara County this 4th of July.

Safe and Sane Fireworks

Safe and Sane fireworks, when used properly, provide a safer alternative to celebrating this time of year. 

Enjoy the Safe and Sane fireworks purchased from any of the 15 fundraising booths in Gilroy which support Gilroy youth sports and non-profit groups. Bring your official I.D. to show that you are at least 18 years old, and that you live in Gilroy. Please use these fireworks safely - don't throw them in the air, and keep a safe distance from dry grass, weeds, and vegetation.

Safe and Sane fireworks are ONLY allowed in designated areas and ONLY from: 9 AM Saturday, July 1, 2023, through 10 PM Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Any safe and sane firework use outside of the allowed time period or in prohibited firework areas is considered illegal firework use and subject to citation.

Please review the map below to note areas of permitted and prohibited safe and sane firework use. In general, areas within or near the wildland-urban interface, as shown in red on the map, are prohibited due to their proximity to wildlands and open spaces, which are more susceptible to wildland fires.

Map of Allowed and Prohibited Fireworks Areas

Illegal Fireworks Remain Dangerous and Illegal 

 Illegal fireworks remain dangerous and illegal and can have unintended consequences including:

•  Causing injuries or death
• Causing fires
• Causing respiratory distress
• Frightening adults and children
• Affecting Military Veterans
• Frightening and distressing animals/pets
• Disrupting sleep

Illegal fireworks cannot be legally used or sold anywhere in the State of California including the City of Gilroy. Illegal fireworks may be recognized by their very loud explosions and/or flying through the air or across the ground. Illegal fireworks include:

• Cherry Bombs
• Bottle Rockets
• Roman Candles
• M-80s
• Any aerial pyrotechnic (firework)
• Firecrackers

Please help protect our community by only using SAFE and SANE fireworks and only on designated days and in designated areas.

Reporting Illegal Firework Use

Gilroy residents may report firework violations during the week of June 28 - July 4 via email to fireworks@cityofgilroy.org or by calling the non-emergency line at 408-846-0350. When reporting, please include the address and specific location of the violation with your report.

Please also provide as much detail as possible including:

• Exact location where fireworks are being used
• Name of offender(s) if known or description
• Type of fireworks (aerial fireworks, firecrackers, mortars, etc.)
• Date and time or usual times of occurrence
• Attach/upload photos or videos if possible
• Indicate whether you wish to be contacted or remain anonymous

Please note that email reporting is not monitored 24-hours a day. If you require a faster response, call our non-emergency line at 408-846-0350. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

**Please do not call 9-1-1 to report fireworks, unless it is an emergency.  

Thank you and have a safe and fun 4^th of July!