San Jose Steps Up Patrols and Reminds Residents That All Personal Fireworks Are Illegal

San Jose officials and first responders are urging residents to leave fireworks to the professionals as the Fourth of July arrives, with more patrols planned to enforce the city's ban.

Apart from permitted displays, it is illegal in San Jose to use, possess, store or sell fireworks. San Jose Fire Department spokesperson Erica Ray said the ban extends to fireworks labeled "safe and sane," which are designed not to leave the ground or explode.

Councilmember David Cohen said more patrol officers will be on the streets this year to crack down on illegal fireworks. "When I speak to the captains in my district, they ensure me they will be visible," he said. Cohen also stressed the importance of residents reporting illegal fireworks, and his office has produced yard signs reminding people of the ban and how to report violations.

Penalties have grown steeper. After complaints about illegal fireworks tripled during the pandemic, the police and fire departments sharply raised citation fines last year. A first violation carries a $1,000 fine, a second within 18 months costs $2,000, and a third costs $3,000. The City Council also passed a social host ordinance last May, which fines tenants and property owners for fireworks set off on their property. Ray said homeowners will be responsible for emergency response fees if police or firefighters are sent out over illegal fireworks.

Councilmember Sergio Jimenez said selling fireworks can bring fines of up to $50,000 and jail time, depending on the quantity. He said there were about 86 fireworks-related fires in San Jose over the last two Independence Day holidays, and described them as causing property and environmental damage and as 100% preventable. Ray added that even sparklers that appear harmless cause serious injuries every year, particularly among young children.

Last year, the fire department received 56 fireworks-related calls, 27 of which involved fires. More than 1,700 reports were filed online, and 651 calls to 311 led to 13 field citations, 10 online citations and 479 warning notices. Hotspots included downtown, East San Jose and Alviso.

Wildfire risk is another concern. "We are facing drought conditions in San Jose and throughout the state," Ray said. "All it takes is one spark from an illegal firework to start what could be a devastating fire to a residential neighborhood or park." Fire crews may not be able to respond to every fireworks call unless a fire or injury is involved.

Residents can report illegal fireworks online, through the city's 311 app, or by calling 311 or 408-535-5600. Anyone facing an active fire or emergency should call 911. Ray said code enforcement will follow up with a citation if the online report contains enough information, and may issue a warning if evidence is lacking. The reporting system has drawn controversy after officials mistakenly cited people who had not possessed or set off fireworks in two consecutive years. The city has since asked residents to include evidence such as photos or videos with complaints.

Cohen said he hopes illegal fireworks use will decline over time. "I'm very frustrated by what I hear in my neighborhood and my dog hates it," he told San José Spotlight. "It's a big disruption."

Professional displays are scheduled after sunset on Monday night across Santa Clara County. In San Jose, they will take place at Discovery Meadow and Almaden Lake Park, and the San Jose Giants will hold a show after their ball game. Other displays are planned in Cupertino, Gilroy, Milpitas, Morgan Hill, Mountain View and Santa Clara.