The city of Gilroy is permitting the sale and use of “safe and sane” fireworks from July 1 through midnight July 4, despite numerous fires blazing across California.
Gilroy is the only city in Santa Clara County to allow the use of safe and sane fireworks.
“Historically, all other cities in Santa Clara County found it easier to ban all fireworks than try to regulate the use of ‘safe and sane’ fireworks,” said Gilroy Fire Marshal Jackie Bretschneider.
Legal fireworks, also known as safe and sane fireworks, have a state fire marshal approval stamp and don’t leave the ground or explode. All other fireworks are considered dangerous and illegal.
“While each of the fires raging in the state is unique, a major factor is that these fires are occurring in a wildland area that is now intermingled with urban and suburban uses,” Bretschneider said. “This is specifically why safe and sane fireworks are prohibited in some areas of Gilroy.”
Prohibited areas include Hecker Pass west of Santa Teresa Boulevard, Third Street west of Santa Teresa Boulevard and all sections of Eagle Ridge. A complete list of prohibited areas can be found on handouts at city fireworks booths. They are also posted at the entryways of prohibited streets.
“These are areas of dry, natural vegetation and steep hills,” Bretschneider said. “Once outside of city limits these hillside areas are not protected with fire access or fire-fighting water. Therefore, dividing lines were created to keep all fireworks out of these areas since it’s difficult to police the appropriate use of ‘safe and sane’ and the illegal use of dangerous fireworks.”
In addition to these designated High Fire Hazard Areas, fireworks can’t be used in city parks or public schools. Most residents set off fireworks in their driveways or the streets in front of their homes.
Safe and sane fireworks are available for purchase at one of 16 booths around town by Gilroy residents only.
“The booth operators choose to require an ID to discourage persons taking the fireworks out of the city and to discourage influx of non-residents into the city that do not have a legal place to set off the fireworks,” Bretschneider said.
The city’s regulations haven’t changed since 1998, with the exception of a fireworks mitigation fee established in 2004, Bretschneider said.
“The mitigation fee creates a fund for additional police, additional dispatchers, and additional fire engines on the Fourth of July,” Bretschneider said. “It also funds the public education flyers to educate the public about illegal versus legal fireworks.”
Those using illegal fireworks are subject to a misdemeanor with a $1000 fine or an administrative citation of $250, depending on the circumstances.
The annual Fourth of July public fireworks display will be held at the Gilroy High School baseball field on Tenth Street and Uvas Park Drive from approximately 9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
The fireworks display can be seen all over the city.
Although the display is held at GHS, it’s facilitated by the city of Gilroy, not the Gilroy Unified School District.
“The Gilroy Police Department will be out in full force with an extra 20 officers working Fourth of July night,” said GPD Administrative Sergeant Jason Smith. “There will be a presence not only around the fireworks show, but around the city in general.”
Smith advises pet owners to keep pets indoors at all times and to make sure they are identifiable with either an ID tag or chip.
“Every Fourth of July, pets escape from their homes,” Smith said. “To a pet, the Fourth of July can be a terrifying experience. Pets often try to escape in an attempt to find safety.”
Both Bretschneider and Smith encourage residents to safely celebrate the holiday.
“Only purchase safe and sane fireworks, and only have an adult light the fireworks,” Bretschneider said.
“We want our residents to have a fun and safe holiday,” Smith said. “Even though safe and sane fireworks are legal to use within the specified provisions, it doesn’t mean they are harmless. Responsible adults should be present and monitor all firework displays to ensure the safety of all present.”
Residents are encouraged to call in and report any illegal fireworks. To report violations, call (408) 846-0350.
“Not only can these fireworks cause great bodily injury, they put our entire community at risk for wildlife and structure fires,” Smith said.
Gilroy residents can buy fireworks and support these organizations: Apostolic Assembly Church, 7150 Camino Arroyo; Christian School Parents Club, 8220 Monterey St.; City of Gilroy Adaptive Recreation Program, 780 First St.; El Camino Club, 971 First St.; Gavilan College RAM Football Boosters, 1210 First St.; Gilroy Elks Lodge #1567 280 Tenth St.; Gilroy HS Cheerleaders Boosters, 7940 Monterey St.; Gilroy HS Quarterback Club, 401 E. Tenth St.; Gilroy HS Wrestling, 8850 San Ysidro Ave.; Gilroy Little League Ball Park Fund, 691 First. St.; Gilroy Police Officers Association, 8400 Church St.; Gilroy Pop Warner Football, 190 Welburn Ave.; Gilroy Youth Football Cheerleaders, 80 Tenth St.; South County Baseball Boosters, 6735-3755 Camino Arroyo; Stick and Move Boxing, 1425 First St.; Victory Outreach Gilroy, 435 First St.
