Fireworks Safety Information for July 4th, 2020 20-062
PLEASE PRACTICE ALL CURRENT HEALTH ORDERS FOR SAN FRANCISCO. FIND A COPY HERE: WWW.SFGOV.ORG.
Due to restrictions against large gatherings under current COVID-19 Public Health Orders, the City of San Francisco has canceled its annual 4th of July public fireworks display.
The San Francisco Police, Sheriff, and Fire Departments are reminding residents and visitors that all fireworks (including those branded as “Safe and Sane”) are illegal in San Francisco.
MUNICIPAL CODE SEC. 1290. DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS PROHIBITED.
“No person or persons, firm, company, corporation or association shall fire or discharge any fireworks of any kind or description within the limits of the City and County of San Francisco. Provided, however, that public displays of fireworks may be given with the jointly written consent of the Fire Marshal and the Chief of Police”.
Important warnings about fireworks:
- Each year more than 12,000 fireworks-related injuries, half of them children, are treated in hospital emergency rooms. Possession of fireworks such as skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or uncontrollably move on the ground can lead to a citation or an arrest.
- More than 25% of the children injured by fireworks are innocent bystanders.
- Something as simple as a sparkler burns at temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees! That’s hot enough to melt gold.
- Firework incidents cause millions of dollars in property loss each year, including vegetation fires that threaten homes and whole communities.
San Francisco’s public safety partners strongly urge San Franciscans to keep themselves and their neighborhoods safe this year. “If you see something, say something.” In San Francisco, report illegal fireworks only if you see the person lighting them, can describe them and can give an exact location or address by calling 311.
Information on reporting noise:
We are aware of the noise generated by fireworks and how that impacts many in our communities. Police officers, Sheriff’s deputies, and firefighters will be out in the field working on mitigating these complaints. If you feel it is necessary to call, complaints about noise should be directed to 311.
Information on response to emergencies:
Public safety agencies prioritize all 911 and 311 calls based on the severity of the calls. During the holidays when fireworks are prevalent, the police department receives a high volume of fireworks-related calls requiring our dispatch center to triage the calls. Therefore, the police department may not be able to respond to every firework related call unless fires or injuries are involved.
Stay informed, and do your part to help keep the 4th of July fun for everyone:
Please keep 911 available for people with police, fire, or medical emergencies.
For citywide alerts, text your zip code to 888-777
Safety resources:
https://www.nsc.org/home-safety/tools-resources/seasonal-safety/summer/fireworks
https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Fireworks