In an effort to crack down, officials from the San Mateo County announced a new list of fireworks fines this July 4 for anyone who sells, buys and sets off fireworks on U.S. Independence Day.
Such actions include, for the first time, penalties for spectators, owners, and parents or guardians.
"When you set off those fireworks, you get a momentary burst, but the damage can last a lifetime," said Mike Callagy, the county's executive director.
"Every year, dogs and cats run away and never return home, children are burned, and houses and entire forests burn down. We ask everyone to stop and think about the consequences of their actions," she added.
Please note that all fireworks are illegal in unincorporated areas of San Mateo County, as well as all county and state parks and the Crystal Springs Basin, where wildfire risks are high despite heavy rains this year.
Violations of the county's fireworks ordinance carry fines of up to $2,000, including for discharging fireworks within 500 feet of humane societies or pet rescue shelters or consuming alcohol when cited for fireworks violations, among other situations.
Coming into 2023, first-time violators may be responsible for county costs to respond to violations of the fireworks ordinance.
The above includes “the cost of any medical treatment for any public safety personnel injured in response to the violation, and the cost of repairing any public safety equipment or property damage incurred in response to the violation.”
"Our safety advice is to go to professional shows to see them -- fireworks shows," said Cecile Juliette, public information officer for the San Mateo County Fire Department.
An estimated 11,500 fireworks-related injuries were caused across the United States in 2021, with nearly three in four occurring around the Fourth of July. Children under the age of 15 accounted for nearly three in 10 of all fireworks-related injuries that same year, according to the most recent statistics available.
“Members of our community have shared countless stories with me about how illegal fireworks activity around the Fourth of July impacts them by threatening their sense of safety and diminishing their quality of life,” said San Mateo County Sheriff Christina Corpus.
"I want to assure those we serve that the Sheriff's Office hears their concerns and is taking action," he added.
The loud noise from unauthorized fireworks can cause particular distress to household pets, small children and people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Additionally, Fourth of July fireworks are one of the leading causes of pets running away each year.
To report illegal fireworks, complainants may call the Sheriff's Office's non-emergency number at 650-363-4911, extension 1, and may remain anonymous. If you need to report an emergency or a crime in progress, please call 911.
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