Official Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 26, 2025
Jon Bui, Public Information Officer
Santa Clara County Fire Department
publicinfo@sccfd.org | 408.341.4444
Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs Urge the Public to Leave Fireworks to the Professionals this 4th of July
SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA – Santa Clara County Fire Chiefs are encouraging community members to enjoy professional fireworks displays to avoid potential injuries and fires this 4th of July.
Fireworks are responsible for thousands of emergency room visits and millions of dollars of property loss across the US every year. Professional fireworks displays are planned throughout Santa Clara County to offer families a safe way to enjoy Independence Day.
All fireworks, including those labeled ‘safe and sane,’ are dangerous and illegal to use, own, or sell in all of Santa Clara County, except Gilroy. The City of Gilroy allows safe and sane fireworks in designated areas from 9 AM on July 1 through 10 PM on July 4. All other fireworks are illegal in Gilroy and the rest of Santa Clara County.
Summer is here and we’re experiencing higher temperatures and dry vegetation. The risk of fires starting in both urban neighborhoods as well as wildland areas is high. Fireworks have ignited trees, fences, and homes in cities throughout the County on and around the 4th of July, causing significant damage to property and homes.
Local hospital emergency rooms treat individuals suffering from fireworks-related injuries year-after-year. Patients include victims of all ages, and the severity of injuries ranges from moderate to extreme.
Fireworks-related fires and injuries are 100% preventable. The public is strongly urged to celebrate the holiday safely, and without the use of illegal fireworks.
Several cities have family-friendly community events as well as professional fireworks displays planned this 4th of July. A list of those planned throughout Santa Clara County is provided below.
Community members are reminded, if they observe an active fire or medical emergency, dial 9-1-1.
Fire Chief Quotes
“I urge all members of our community to avoid illegal fireworks this holiday season. Illegal fireworks can cause devastating fires or serious injuries which is why they are illegal. Let’s keep our neighborhoods safe instead of putting yourself, your family, your pets and your community in danger.” -Fire Chief Geo Blackshire, Palo Alto Fire Department
“Illegal fireworks are a serious danger to all, causing devastating wildfires, structure fires, and injuries. In Mountain View, our dry conditions magnify this risk, making every illegal spark a potential catastrophe for homes and open space areas. Using illegal fireworks carries significant fines, starting at $1,000, with property owners also potentially liable for emergency response costs. This Independence Day, protect our community by avoiding all illegal fireworks and instead, join us for the safe and professional 2025 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline Amphitheatre.” -Fire Chief Juan Diaz, Mountain View Fire Department
"Fireworks are not just a nuisance—they are a serious fire hazard. All it takes is a single spark landing on a roof, in dry brush, or near flammable materials to ignite a devastating structure fire. We urge everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals.” -Interim Chief Ava Fanucchi, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety
“Every safe celebration is a successful one. Taking a moment to supervise children, handle fireworks responsibly, or avoid risky behavior can be the difference between a trip to the ER and a holiday full of great memories.” -Fire Chief Rob Fleeup, Gilroy Fire Department
"We encourage everyone to celebrate July 4th safely and leave fireworks to the professionals. Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and by making responsible choices, we can help protect our communities from wildfire risks. Thank you for prioritizing safety. Be sure to visit ReadyForWildfire.org to learn more about best practices and how to stay prepared.” -Unit Chief Marcus Hernandez, CAL FIRE Santa Clara Unit/Morgan Hill Fire Department
“The risk of fires starting due to illegal fireworks is real and it’s up to each of us to help keep our neighborhoods safe this 4th of July. Please enjoy one of the professional fireworks displays planned throughout the County.” -Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew, Santa Clara County Fire Department
"The use of illegal fireworks poses a serious threat to public safety. From structure and vegetation fires to life-altering injuries, the dangers are both real and preventable. We ask everyone to act responsibly and avoid illegal fireworks for the safety of our entire community." -Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr., San Jose Fire Department
"Don’t Be That Neighbor — illegal fireworks have real consequences and can cause injury, PTSD and fear in our vets and pets" -Fire Chief Ruben Torres, Santa Clara City Fire Department
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