Full Notification

With Independence Day just around the corner, please remember to know the risks of fireworks. Stay safe while using legal fireworks, such as “Safe and Sane” fireworks.   If you see or suspect illegal fireworks are being used in your neighborhood, please report it to your local law enforcement!

 Law Enforcement in the Five Cities and the Five Cities Fire Authority have teamed up to educate our community members on how to celebrate safely, how to spot Safe and Sane fireworks, and how to report the use of illegal fireworks.  Our agencies will be deploying additional personnel who will be looking for and enforcing the use of illegal fireworks.

Calls for service throughout the county increase dramatically on July 4^th, and emergency response resources are limited.  During the holiday weekend, please use 9-1-1 for emergencies only – like an active fire or injury.  Each Law Enforcement agency has provided an alternative method to report illegal fireworks. 

“Together, we can ensure that Independence Day celebrations are fun, safe, and do not cause undue injury or fire in our communities,” says Arroyo Grande Police Chief Mike Martinez.    

Five Cities Fire Authority Fire Chief Steve Lieberman adds, “Even Safe and Sane fireworks can cause a fire or injury. In 2021, an estimated 12,264 fires, including 2,082 structure fires, were reported, causing over $50 Million in direct property damage. Emergency rooms treated an estimated 11,500 people for fireworks-related injuries. Five Cities Fire wishes our communities a wonderful but safe Independence Day.”

“The celebration of Independence Day is a tradition that families and neighbors should enjoy. It is a time to reflect on our Nation’s history and respect how loud noise can affect our Veterans and pets. We encourage everyone to be safe and only discharge Safe and Sane fireworks during the legal time period of July 4^th from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m..” – Grover Beach Police Chief John Peters.

Know the risks

• The unsafe use of fireworks can cause severe burns, amputations, blinding, and even death.
• Damaging fires occur when children use fireworks unsupervised by adults.
• Parents are responsible for any property damage or injuries caused by all fireworks. 

• All legal fireworks in California are called “Safe and Sane” fireworks and must bear the State Fire Marshal’s seal.
• Any firework that is airborne and explodes is dangerous and illegal.

• Always have a metal bucket of water to dispose of fireworks.
• Always have a hose connected to water available in case of fire.
• Do not use fireworks near dry grass or flammable materials.
• Do not use fireworks while under a canopy, covered balcony, covered patio, or under trees or bushes. 

• Arroyo Grande Police Department: (805) 473-5100
• Grover Beach Police Department: (805) 473-4511
• San Luis Obispo Sheriff’s Department (805) 781-4540