Fire agencies throughout Santa Clara County are urging the public to leave the fireworks to the professionals to avoid injury and fire as the Fourth of July approaches.
Nationally, illegal fireworks cause more than 10,000 emergency room-treated injuries each year, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Community members are encouraged to attend professional fireworks displays hosted throughout Santa Clara County this Fourth of July.
“Each year serious injuries and millions of dollars in property loss occur from wildfires sparked by fireworks,” Cal Fire Santa Clara Unit Chief George Huang said. “Large grass crops and dry vegetation increase the threat for devastating fires throughout all of California. It is imperative that we as a community be vigilant and take all precautions necessary to make this a safe Fourth of July and fire year.”
Santa Clara County Fire Chief Suwanna Kerdkaew said the wet winter fueled the potential for dangerous fires this season.
“The record rainfall has helped the grass and brush grow in dramatic amounts,” Kerdkaew said. “As summer heats up and the vegetation quickly dries, the high fire hazard conditions can create a potentially dangerous or deadly situation with only one spark from firework activity.”
In addition to the fire hazard, the loud noises from fireworks can frighten pets throughout the community, and harm residents who suffer from post traumatic stress, authorities said.
In Morgan Hill, police officers will be stepping up enforcement with a “zero tolerance policy” through the Fourth of July weekend, including citing property owners or renters upon which property the fireworks are being set off. Officers will also be able to cite people using illegal fireworks on public property.
During the Fourth of July holiday period, from July 1-7, MHPD reminded residents that fines for illegal fireworks are tripled for offenders. That calculates to a $300 fine for a first violation, $600 for a second offense, and $1,500 for third and subsequent violations.
Authorities also noted that even the “safe and sane” fireworks purchased in other communities are illegal in Morgan Hill, and their use will be subject to citation and fines.
Furthermore, possession of illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor and can result in a fine of up to $5,000 and up to one year in the county jail, police said.
In Morgan Hill, the annual Freedom Fest Fourth of July fireworks show is permitted for 9:30pm July 4, at the Outdoor Sports Center, at 16500 Condit Road.
Other regional fireworks shows are also scheduled:
• Gilroy: Gilroy High School, 750 W. Tenth St., 9:30pm
• San Jose: Almaden Lake Park, 6099 Winfield Blvd., 9:15pm
• San Jose: Discovery Meadow, 108 Woz Way, 9:30pm
• Santa Clara: California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, 9:45pm
The public is advised to call 9-1-1 for an active fire or medical emergency.
