City of San Jose issued the following announcement on Dec 22.
With New Year and Tet Lunar New Year celebrations approaching, fireworks are once again a serious concern in San José. Local emergency 9-1-1 services were critically impacted by illegal fireworks activity during this summer’s Fourth of July holiday with emergency calls exceeding the capacity of first responders. This left San José vulnerable to fires that could have easily spread out of control causing loss of life and property. This holiday season, please celebrate safely and without the use of illegal fireworks.
“San José experienced an unprecedented volume of illegal firework activity during the Fourth of July holiday,” said Fire Chief Robert Sapien Jr. “Firefighters responded to over 50 fires caused by illegal fireworks and were stretched to their limits in terms of providing adequate coverage to address emergency calls across the City.”
Residents are reminded that all fireworks, even those labeled ‘safe and sane’ are dangerous and illegal in San José. Residents can “Snap, Click, and Report” violators online:
- SNAP: Safely take a photo or video of the person participating in the illegal activity.
- CLICK: Visit www.sanjoseca.gov/fireworks.
- REPORT: Fill out the online form with complete and accurate information regarding the illegal firework activity. Residents can upload up to five separate photos or videos as evidence of illegal activity.
Recognizing the tremendous risk of fire and injury associated with illegal firework use and the toll it has taken on community members, veterans and pets in San José, City Council moved to increase the fines for illegal fireworks use on Tuesday, December 15, 2020. Graduated fines have been increased to $1,000 for a first offense and if caught again within an 18-month window, violations for a second and third offense are $2,000 and $3,000 respectively. Previous fines began at $500 and escalated to $700 and $1,000.
This year, New Year celebrations also come at a unique time when county-wide measures remain in place to protect our residents and responders from the spread of COVID-19. Residents are encouraged to follow current Public Health orders and recommendations, find safe alternatives and ensure that your holiday celebrations do not include the use of fireworks.
“As we welcome in the New Year and Tet Lunar New Year, the use of fireworks amid a pandemic that has already exhausted our hospital capacity and stretched our first responders will result in needless suffering and even death,” said Mayor Liccardo. “It's up to each of us to keep each other safe, and each of us can protect our own neighborhoods by reporting illegal firework activity online.”
The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks start an average of 19,500 fires per year, 59% of which were reported as brush, grass or forest fires. These fires caused an average of five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and an average of $105 million in direct property damage.
As always, if there is an active fire or medical emergency, residents should call 9-1-1.
UPDATED: Sale, Use, Possession and Storage of Fireworks Violation Fines:
| First Violation | $1,000 |
| Second Violation | $2,000 (within 18 month period from date of previous violation) |
| Third and Subsequent Violations | $3,000 (within 18 month period from date of previous violation) |
Original source can be found here.
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