The laws governing fireworks in Santa Clara are clear –amateur fireworks are illegal including those labeled as safe and sane. Yet, every Independence Day the City’s Communications Center receives hundreds of calls related to fireworks.
As a friendly reminder, please do NOT set off fireworks – it’s inconsiderate to your neighbors, needlessly scares children and pets, raises anxiety levels for individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is inherently dangerous to property and bystanders, and ties up emergency phone lines unnecessarily. It can also be costly. Fines may be issued and/or criminal prosecution may be sought when violations are discovered.
Instead, residents are encouraged to celebrate safely by attending a professional firework show. The City of Santa Clara’s 4th of July Community Celebration will take place on Thursday, July 4 from 4 - 10 p.m. at Mission College, 3000 Mission College Blvd. Full event details available here: SantaClaraCA.gov/4thofJuly.
What are Santa Clara's Fireworks Laws?
Santa Clara Municipal Code section 15.60.280 states: “The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited.” This includes fireworks labeled as “Safe and Sane”. Details on Santa Clara’s fireworks ordinance available here: bit.ly/SCFireworksOrdinance.
Meanwhile, the Fire Department has a number of safety tips available at bit.ly/SCFDSafetyTips
Reporting Illegal Fireworks
Holidays result in significantly higher call volume to the 9-1-1 Communications Center each year.
On Fourth of July, Public Safety Dispatchers are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are non-emergency related, but tie up the 911 system, potentially delaying an emergency call from getting through.
A guide to determining when call 9-1-1, and alternative resources to seeking assistance is available at https://bit.ly/SCFireworksOrdinance.
Please do not report noise complaints unless you can provide the exact location of the fireworks being set off. In addition, do not report the use of fireworks or need for police, fire or medical response on social media. It is not monitored on an ongoing basis.
