San Mateo County Increases Fines For Illegal Fireworks To $1,000

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — San Mateo County is raising fines for illegal fireworks by 10 times the previous amount as it hopes to crack down on unpermitted sparks ahead of the July 4 weekend and fire season.

Anyone who is caught possessing, selling or using fireworks in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County will be fined $1,000 for the first offense, a tenfold increase from the prior fine. The Board of Supervisors voted to approve the increase in fines this week.

The ordinance, updated for the first time in 35 years, can now punish violators who cause a serious injury or property damage in excess of $1,000 with a misdemeanor and up to six months in jail. The ordinance also applies to violations on a person’s own property.

According to the county, nearly three out of every four fireworks-related injuries occur two weeks before and after the Fourth of July holiday.

“I have heard from my constituents about the number of unpermitted fireworks going off, not only near and during the July 4th holiday, but even now,” said Supervisor Warren Slocum, who co-sponsored the ordinance. “They are very concerned for their safety and that of their neighborhood. So am I – and that is why this new ordinance with the increased fines is so important.”