SMPD reminds our community 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 San Mateo Police Department would like to wish you and your family a safe Independence Day! We encourage you to enjoy the holiday, 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. That means sparklers too! SMPD will take enforcement action and will not only be confiscating all fireworks but 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. 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.
San Mateo City Park Evening Closures:
To deter the use of fireworks in our city parks, Park Rangers will be on duty and the City will close the following park locations beginning at 6pm: Parkside Aquatic Park, Ryder Park, Seal Point Park, Shoreview Park, and Washington Park. The lots will be barricaded, and parks patrolled. In addition, passing checks will be conducted at our other parks as well. Most San Mateo city parks will undergo irrigation throughout the evening to prevent possible fires that may occur from potential illegal firework use and field lights will remain on.
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 fireworks with limited information makes them difficult to locate, and therefore, harder to enforce. Please do not tie up our non-emergency phone lines unless you can provide specific locations/addresses for enforcement. To be enforceable, an officer must witness the violation.
If needed, please use our non-emergency Dispatch number at (650) 522-7700 to report and only use
9-1-1 if an emergency is involved. We have 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.
Our department is already conducting nightly, high-visibility patrols and enforcement throughout the city in addition to responding to complaints. We are also utilizing our Drones as First Responders (DFR) to assist with tracking. Officers will take appropriate enforcement action.
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)
City of San Mateo 4th of July in the Park Event:
Wear your best red, white, & blue and enjoy a lovely day at Fitzgerald Field in Central Park! Family fun activities start at 11:00am, with a flag raising at 11:45am, and a concert (Vybe Society) from 12:00-2:00pm.
Nearby Events:
Foster City - Leo Ryan Park
· 9am-4pm
· Games, food, entertainment, family and dog parade.
Pacifica
· 11am-2pm
· Games, food, and entertainment.
Redwood City
· 8am-5pm
· Pancake breakfast, entertainment, parade, and fireworks show at 9:30pm.
