Santa Clara County Warns Against 4th Of July Fireworks

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA — Fire agencies across Santa Clara County are warning residents to refrain from using fireworks as the 4th of July holiday approaches.

Citing extreme danger this year of fireworks-caused fires, Santa Clara County Acting Fire Chief Brian Glass said that area vegetation is stressed by drought and at risk of burning.

“It is absolutely critical that residents understand the extreme risk of fire at a time of the year when the weather is hot and vegetation is susceptible,” Glass said. “We know that one spark can have disastrous consequences.”

Through the “[It’s] Not Worth It” campaign, the county hopes to educate residents against illegal fireworks. According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 19,500 fires a year are caused by fireworks, resulting in an average of $105 million in property damage.

Last year, San Jose saw over 30 preventable fireworks-related fires, according to San Jose Fire Department Chief Robert Sapien Jr.

“Deciding to use illegal fireworks is also deciding to put your neighbor’s lives and property at risk,” Sapien said. “Under current drought conditions, illegal fireworks put the entire community at risk.”

County officials also warned that because residents are returning to normal activities this year as the 4th of July holiday arrives, the public is asked to keep following public health orders and enjoy fireworks that are authorized for public display.