This is the last city in Santa Clara County where ‘safe and sane’ fireworks are legal

(KRON) — There’s only one city left in Santa Clara County where you can use “safe and sane” fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July.

“All fireworks, including those labeled ‘safe and sane,’ are dangerous and illegal to use,
own, or sell in all of Santa Clara County, except Gilroy,” fire chiefs from across the county wrote in a joint statement Thursday.

The City of Gilroy allows “safe and sane” fireworks in designated areas from 9 a.m. on July 1 through 10 p.m. on July 4. All other fireworks are illegal, even in Gilroy.

“Taking a moment to supervise children, handle fireworks responsibly, or avoid risky behavior can be the difference between a trip to the ER and a holiday full of great memories,” said Gilroy Fire Chief Rob Fleeup.

Palo Alto Fire Chief Geo Blackshire said Palo Alto and other cities outlawed all fireworks because fireworks can cause devastating fires or serious burn injuries.

The fire chiefs’ joint statement writes, “The risk of fires starting in both urban neighborhoods as well as wildland areas is high. Fireworks have ignited trees, fences, and homes in cities throughout the county on and around the 4th of July, causing significant damage to property and homes. Local hospital emergency rooms treat individuals suffering from fireworks-related injuries. Patients include victims of all ages, and the severity of injuries ranges from moderate to extreme.”

Anyone who sees an active fire or fireworks-related medical emergency on Independence Day is asked to call 911.

Mountain View Fire Chief Juan Diaz said, “Illegal fireworks are a serious danger to all, causing devastating wildfires, structure fires, and injuries. In Mountain View, our dry conditions magnify this risk, making every illegal spark a potential catastrophe for homes and open space areas. Using illegal fireworks carries significant fines, starting at $1,000, with property owners also potentially liable for emergency response costs.”

San Jose Fire Chief Robert Sapien said, “From structure and vegetation fires to life-altering injuries, the dangers are both real and preventable.”

Illegal fireworks can be recognized by their very loud explosions. They include: Cherry Bombs, Bottle Rockets, Roman Candles, M-80s, any aerial pyrotechnic (firework), and firecrackers.

Firefighters are encouraging community members and families to enjoy professional fireworks displays July 4. Fire chiefs provide this list of professional and sanctioned fireworks displays around Santa Clara County below:

“This Independence Day, protect our community by avoiding all illegal fireworks and instead, join us for the safe and professional 2025 Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular with the San Francisco Symphony at Shoreline Amphitheatre,” Mountain View Fire Chief Diaz said.

Gilroy is also holding an annual fireworks show at Gilroy High School. Community members can view fireworks by watching from Christmas Hill Park and nearby neighborhoods.