MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20190701-039
Monday, July 1, 2019
Stay Safe this Fourth of July – Fireworks are Illegal in the City of San Mateo
SMPD reminds our citizens that all fireworks, even “Safe & Sane” fireworks are illegal within San Mateo’s city limits. Fireworks will be confiscated and $1,000 citations will be issued as appropriate.
San Mateo, CA – The City of San Mateo’s Police Department, in partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department and San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department, would like to wish you and your family a fun and safe Independence Day! We encourage our community to celebrate this patriotic holiday, while taking time to reflect on the freedoms that come with it. Please know lighting fireworks within the city of San Mateo is not one of those freedoms the Declaration of Independence guarantees.
ALL fireworks, even those considered “Safe & Sane,” are illegal within the city limits of San Mateo. The Police Department takes a ZERO TOLERANCE approach to enforcement and will be issuing citations to those caught with them. We understand lighting fireworks may be a cherished pastime, but they are extremely dangerous, create fire hazards, and are exceedingly disruptive to others (including children, the elderly, veterans, PTSD sufferers, and pets). SMPD will be confiscating fireworks and citing as appropriate. The few minutes of entertainment is not worth the hefty $1,000 citation and/or confiscation.
As a legal alternative, consider enjoying a lawful firework show in neighboring communities. We guarantee they’re better than anything you could do illegally at home. Both Foster City and Redwood City put on fantastic shows that start at 9:30 P.M. on the 4th. For more information please visit:
Foster City: www.fostercity.org/july4
Redwood City: www.parade.org
San Mateo: https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/69831
In our ongoing effort to keep our community safe, the Parks and Recreation Department will be closing off numerous park facilities beginning at 6 P.M. Fiesta Meadows Park, Seal Point Park, Ryder Park, and Parkside Aquatic Park will be closed, barricaded, and patrolled to discourage the use of illegal fireworks. July 4th tends to be an extremely busy night for law enforcement, so help us prevent the unnecessary calls for service by avoiding the use of fireworks.
On behalf of the City of San Mateo, your police officers, firefighters, and park rangers, we wish you a happy and safe Fourth of July!
MEDIA CONTACT
Michael Haobsh
Public Information Officer
Community & Media Relations
Desk: (650) 522-7626
Email: [email protected]
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