Summer is officially underway which means increased outdoor activities, with the Fourth of July being no exception. The City of Santa Rosa Fire Department wants to remind residents that the possession, storage, sale and use of all fireworks is illegal within the City of Santa Rosa. It is also illegal to purchase “Safe and Sane” fireworks from neighboring cities such as Cloverdale and Rohnert Park, and bring them into Santa Rosa.

Violation of the City’s Fireworks ordinance will result in a citation, which includes fines up to $500.00. Violations of laws regarding dangerous fireworks will result in immediate enforcement action, which could include a citation with fines up to $1,000.00 or arrest depending on the violation. All fireworks will be considered contraband and confiscated for disposal in accordance with guidelines established by the California State Fire Marshal’s Office.

“With the current drought conditions, dry grass and vegetation, we ask that our residents adhere to the fireworks ban,” said City of Santa Rosa Fire Scott Westrope. “Our community has been through four major fires since 2017 that have either directly impacted or threatened our City. We understand the desire to celebrate, but those celebrations should be planned responsibly to not place our residents at risk.”

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires per year, including 1,300 structure fires. Approximately 30 percent of the City of Santa Rosa is located within the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area and the use of fireworks in these areas poses a significant threat to the community, especially given the early start to this fire season locally.

For more information, visit srcity.org/FireworksBan.