In the wake of canceled public events, including local professional fireworks shows, we urge Santa Rosans to make safe choices as you look for other ways to celebrate the upcoming Fourth of July.

While it may be tempting to use fireworks, remember that ALL fireworks are illegal in Santa Rosa and the surrounding unincorporated areas. Calls from our community reporting the use of fireworks on the days leading up to the holiday are on the rise. We’re urging those that are using them to STOP.

Enforcement teams from both the police and fire departments will be out patrolling areas and we will cite individuals violating the City’s fireworks ban. But please don’t let it get to that point.

Nationwide, more than 16,000 reported fires are started by fireworks annually. Wildland fires are a continuing threat in our community and earlier this week, portions of Sonoma County were included in the first Red Flag Warning of the year. Conditions remain dry and an evening of fireworks is not worth the risk to your community.

We are all accountable for doing our part to protect Santa Rosa from the threat of wildfire. Please keep this in mind as you make your plans for the holiday.

Celebrate safely and be well,
Chief Anthony Gossner and Chief Rainer Navarro

Learn more about Santa Rosa’s Fireworks Ban