City of Santa Clara
MenuFireworks - Local Ordinance and How to Report Illegal Activity
Reporting Illegal Fireworks
The laws governing fireworks in Santa Clara are clear – fireworks are illegal. Fireworks are inconsiderate to your neighbors, needlessly scares children and pets and raises anxiety levels for individuals with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fireworks are dangerous to property and bystanders and ties up emergency phone lines. Fines may be issued and/or criminal prosecution may be sought when violations are discovered.
On Fourth of July and New Years Eve, Public Safety Dispatchers are inundated with calls regarding fireworks. The majority of these calls are non-emergency, but tie up the 911 system, potentially delaying emergency calls from getting through.
The chart below has been produced to serve as a guide in determining when call 9-1-1, and alternative resources to seeking assistance.
|
Incident or Question? |
Call 9-1-1? |
If not a call to 9-1-1, what should I do? |
|---|---|---|
|
Are fireworks legal within the City of Santa Clara? |
No |
Our local Ordinance and how to report illegal activity is available online |
|
I have a firework related injury from using fireworks, example:
|
Yes Call 9-1-1 immediately for police, fire or medical response |
|
|
A fire has started from the use of fireworks |
Yes Call 9-1-1 immediately for police, fire or medical response |
|
|
I have property damage as a result of fireworks |
No |
Call the non-emergency phone number, |
|
The neighbor is using illegal fireworks |
No |
Call the non-emergency phone number, 408-615-5580 only if you are able to provide the exact address of where the illegal activity is occurring. Please do not call to report noise complaints without an exact address. It ties up emergency phone lines needlessly and personnel resources are limited. |
|
I have old consumer fireworks I want to get rid of |
No |
Call the Fire Department, |
|
I have found a short piece of pipe with a fuse coming out of it |
Yes Call 9-1-1 immediately for police, fire or medical response |
Leave the device where it is and do not pick it up. |
|
I have noticed the sale of fireworks in my neighborhood |
No |
Call the non-emergency phone number, |
|
Where can I learn about fire safety |
No |
The Fire Department's Community Risk Reduction Division offers resources online |
Do not report the use of fireworks or need for police, fire or medical response on social media. It is not monitored regularly.
Police & Fire Department Response
The Police and Fire Departments are conducting preventative roving patrols based on daily call activity. While the Police and Fire Departments cannot respond to every fireworks related call, public safety personnel will prioritize our response to ensure the public’s safety.
The boom and crackle of the firework happens in seconds and the sound can carry quite some distance. Catching someone in the act - possession of fireworks or launching illegal fireworks - is not an easy task! Without knowing where the activity is occurring, Public Safety Dispatchers can only communicate it to public safety personnel as beat information. With a specific location, public safety personnel can respond to the designated location, look for expended fireworks, people standing around and/or someone willing to “point out” who set it off.
Santa Clara Public Safety Encourages Residents to Leave the Fireworks to the Pros
Santa Clara Municipal Code
Santa Clara Municipal Code section 15.60.280 states: “The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks, including those fireworks classified as Safe and Sane by the California State Fire Marshal, are prohibited.” This includes, but is not limited to, popular bottle rockets, roman candles, firecrackers and sparklers.