Listen to this note:
During the month of June, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and its partners will host a series of anonymous fireworks buyback events throughout the area.
The program aims to improve community safety by encouraging residents to turn in fireworks, which are illegal throughout San Mateo County, with the exception of the cities of Pacifica and San Bruno.
In 2023, under the leadership of Sheriff Christina Corpus, the Sheriff's Office hosted its first fireworks buyback event in North Fair Oaks as a pilot program. The buyback was a success collecting approximately 400 pounds of these illegal items and explosives. That same year, the Sheriff's Office saw a reduction in calls for service on the Fourth of July in North Fair Oaks.
This year, the program is expanding to include locations on the coast and in North County, in addition to North Fair Oaks. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office is increasing the cash reward for delivering fireworks. Those who deliver fireworks can now receive up to $200 in cash with no questions asked.
?In its first year, our fireworks buyback program had a significant impact, creating a greater sense of safety and well-being for our North Fair Oaks community. “Thanks to the support of Chairman Slocum and the entire San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, I am proud to announce that this year we are expanding this important program to our North County and coastal communities,” said Sheriff Corpus.
“By only attending authorized fireworks shows, we can celebrate responsibly and ensure everyone has a safe Fourth of July holiday,” he added.
The dates for the three fireworks buyback events will be Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coastside Fire Protection District headquarters located at 1191 Main St., in Half Moon Bay.
Additionally, on Saturday, June 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Northern Branch Courthouse, located at 1050 Mission Road, in South San Francisco; and on Saturday, June 29, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the new Sheriff's Office substation located at 690 Broadway, in Redwood City.
Notably, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office has a zero-tolerance approach to addressing illegal fireworks.
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