Santa Clara County Fire chiefs are encouraging community members to enjoy professional fireworks displays to avoid potential injuries and fires this 4th of July.
“Fireworks are not just a nuisance—they are a serious fire hazard. All it takes is a single spark landing on a roof, in dry brush, or near flammable materials to ignite a devastating structure fire. We urge everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals,” said Interim Chief Ava Fanucchi of the Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety.
Fanucchi and the rest of the South Bay’s fire chiefs have come together to remind people that the only safe fireworks this 4th of July are the ones put on by professionals. They say that even ones labeled “safe and sane” are dangerous and illegal to use, own or sell in all of Santa Clara County except for Gilroy.
While the City of Gilroy allows “safe and sane” fireworks, they’re only allowed in designated areas and only from 9 a.m. on July 1 through 10 p.m. on July 4. All other fireworks are illegal in Gilroy and the rest of Santa Clara County.
Santa Clara Fire Chief Ruben Torres wants people to remember that illegal fireworks don’t just have consequences for the people who use them.
“Illegal fireworks have real consequences and can cause injury, PTSD and fear in our vets and pets,” said Torres.
Fireworks are responsible for thousands of emergency room visits and millions of dollars of property loss across the US every year.
Additionally, summer is here, and we’re experiencing higher temperatures and dry vegetation. The risk of fires starting in both urban neighborhoods as well as wildland areas is high. Fireworks have ignited trees, fences and homes in cities throughout the County on and around the 4th of July, causing significant damage to property and homes.
Local hospital emergency rooms treat individuals suffering from fireworks-related injuries year after year. Patients include victims of all ages, and the severity of injuries ranges from moderate to extreme.
Fireworks-related fires and injuries are 100% preventable. The public is strongly urged to celebrate the holiday safely and without the use of illegal fireworks.
Several cities have family-friendly community events as well as professional fireworks displays planned this 4th of July, including a display at Great America in Santa Clara.
“The risk of fires starting due to illegal fireworks is real and it’s up to each of us to help keep our neighborhoods safe this 4th of July. Please enjoy one of the professional fireworks displays planned throughout the County,” said Chief Suwanna Kerkaew of the Santa Clara County Fire Department.
Community members are reminded that if they observe an active fire or a medical emergency, they should dial 9-1-1.
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