SAN MATEO, CA – June 27, 2025 – As the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day, the San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department (SMCFD) is reminding residents that all fireworks, including those labeled "Safe and Sane," are illegal in the cities we serve: Belmont, San Mateo, and Foster City and that every spark matters when it relates to preventing the lighting and spreading of fires in our community.

Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s 4th of July celebration, but every year they lead to preventable injuries and fires. These devices, even sparklers, can cause serious burns, hearing loss, and other debilitating injuries.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), fireworks-related injuries saw a sharp increase in 2024. 

• An estimated 14,700 people were treated in U.S. emergency rooms for fireworksrelated injuries last year, a 52% increase from 2023. 
• Eleven deaths were also reported. 
• Burns were the most common injury, accounting for 37% of all emergency room visits, with hands, fingers, and the head/face/ears being the most frequently injured body parts.

Even sparklers, which are often given to children, can burn at temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals. In addition to personal injuries, fireworks are responsible for thousands of fires annually. 

• In 2022, fireworks started over 31,000 fires across the country, including more than 3,500 structure fires.

The risk is particularly high in our region, given California's susceptibility to wildfires.

NOTE TO PARENTS: We encourage responsible parenting and request that parents closely supervise their children and set expectations for proper behavior. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.

Those who use, possess, store, or transport any type of fireworks in Belmont, San Mateo, or Foster City may be subject to fines and criminal prosecution. It is simply not worth the risk of injury, fire, or a costly citation. The safest and most enjoyable way to celebrate our nation's independence is to attend a public display put on by trained professionals. This year, we encourage you to join your community at a professional drone show. These events offer a spectacular visual experience without the fire and safety hazards of traditional fireworks. Here is a listing of professional public drone shows within a 25-mile radius of San Mateo for the 2025 holiday: 

• July 4th Parade, Fest & Drone Show 2025: Redwood City, Port of Redwood City, approximately 9:30 PM.
• City of Napa Fourth of July Celebration: Napa, Oxbow Commons, 9:30 PM. The show features 400 drones in choreographed formations.
• The Spirit Ship Celebration on Mare Island: Vallejo, Mare Island Promenade, a ticketed event with a drone show finale at 9:15 PM.
• 4th of July Multi-Cultural Celebration: San Pablo, features a dazzling drone show at 9:00 PM.

If you See Something, Say Something!

If you observe dangerous or illegal activities involving fireworks, please contact your local police department’s non-emergency dispatch line.

For the City of San Mateo, call the San Mateo Police Department at (650) 522-7700 or submit electronically at www.cityofsanmateo.org/4630/Fireworks.

For Foster City, call the Foster City Police Department at (650) 286-3300.

For Belmont, call the Belmont Police Department at (650) 595-7400.

For emergencies, always dial 9-1-1.

Together, we can all enjoy a safe and memorable holiday!

For more information, alerts, advisories, and emergency news, please visit www.smcfire.org, "Like" us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.

Contact:

San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Public Information Office

Email: pio@smcfire.org

Phone: (650) 522-7900