Full Notification

Stay Safe this Fourth of July Weekend – Fireworks are Illegal in the City of San Mateo

SMPD reminds our citizens that all fireworks, even “Safe & Sane” fireworks are illegal within San Mateo’s city limits. Fireworks will be confiscated, and citations will be issued to violators.

San Mateo, CA – The City of San Mateo Police Department would like to wish you and your family a safe Independence Day! We encourage you to enjoy the holiday weekend, but urge you to celebrate this patriotic holiday safely, without the use of fireworks, and avoid driving under the influence.

ALL fireworks, even those considered “Safe & Sane,” are illegal within the city limits. SMPD will take enforcement action and will be issuing citations to those caught with them. Parents are also liable for any damage or injuries caused by children using fireworks. The few minutes of entertainment is not worth the hefty $1,000 citation, and/or jailtime, or the lasting damage/injury they may cause.

Fireworks pose an extreme fire risk, and our State continues to face an exceptionally high fire danger, in addition to a drought. Just one spark from a firework could set off an enormous blaze, taxing the already limited resources we have. The sound of fireworks also put many on edge. Fireworks are exceedingly disruptive to our neighbors including children, the elderly, veterans, those with PTSD, and pets. Let’s respect our environment and our neighbors.

City Park Evening Closures:
To discourage the use of illegal fireworks, the City will also close numerous parking lots beginning at 6 p.m. including Seal Point Park, Ryder Park, and Parkside Aquatic Park. They will be barricaded and patrolled. For more information on our Parks visit:
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4261/Parks-and-Recreation-FAQ

Reporting Illegal Fireworks:
July 4th tends to be an extremely busy night for law enforcement and reports of illegal fireworks have already begun. If you hear them, rest assured we hear them too. Reporting instances with limited information makes it difficult to determine a location, so call us only if you can provide specifics. Please use our non-emergency Dispatch number at (650) 522-7700 to report fireworks and not 9-1-1 unless an emergency is involved. To be enforceable, an officer must witness the violation. Our department will be conducting high-visibility patrols and enforcement throughout the city and respond to complaints. Officers will take appropriate enforcement action. We have also added a reporting form on our website to better track these types of complaints. Feel free to submit that form if you have specific information to share with us. The form can be found at
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/4630/Fireworks.

We ask for the community’s cooperation to ensure the Fourth of July is a peaceful one for all our residents. On behalf of the City of San Mateo, your police officers, firefighters, and park rangers, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July! Stay Safe.

Offenses:
There are numerous Municipal Codes, Health & Safety Codes, and Penal Codes applicable to the use/possession/sale of fireworks, however, we’ve highlighted some more common ones below. San Mateo Municipal Code 10.20.020 – Sale and Use of Fireworks Prohibited San Mateo Municipal Code 10.20.030 – Fireworks Seizure San Mateo Administrative Citation 13.20.010(c) – Prohibited Conduct – Possess, exhibit, or use firearm, air guns, slingshots, firecrackers, fireworks, torpedoes, rockets, missiles, or weapons of any sort designed or used to harm another. $100 fine. 12305 HS – Possession of Explosives (felony) 12677 HS – Possession of Dangerous Fireworks (misdemeanor)

4th of July in the Park Event:
Wear your best red, white, & blue and enjoy a lovely day in Central Park! Family fun activities start at 11:00am and the concert will be from 12:00-2:00pm. For more information visit
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/3239/4th-of-July.

Nearby Fireworks Shows:
Foster City - Leo Ryan Park
• 9am-9:45pm (Fireworks Show at 9:30 pm) • Games, food, entertainment, family and dog parade, and a grand fireworks display.

Redwood City
• 8am-9:45pm (Fireworks Show at 9:30 pm)
• Events
o The parade starts promptly at 10 am
o Join the Redwood City Fire Department at the main Marshall Street fire station for a pancake breakfast from 8-11 am, benefiting the Redwood City Firefighters Association. Breakfast is $10.