Fire Department to Patrol for Illegal Fireworks

While scents of gunpowder may trail over from neighbors in San Bruno, residents of South San Francisco are prohibited from using the “safe and sane” fireworks that San Bruno allows.

The ordinance that prohibits the use of fireworks in South City is not meant to discourage festivities, but rather to keep the community safe, said Fire Chief Philip White.

“We encourage everyone to celebrate the birthday of our country, but without fireworks,” he said.

South San Francisco was the first city in San Mateo County to prohibit the use of fireworks in 1987 after the fire department witnessed a significant number of firework-related injuries and a 1986 fire on San Bruno Mountain.

“First and foremost, many of the injuries can be disfiguring and result in disability,” White said.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, an average of 8,800 firework-related injuries are treated annually. Injuries can range from burnt fingers to blindness. Sparklers, a Fourth of July favorite amongst youngsters, can reach 2,000 degrees and cause third degree burns.

In 2009 alone, 18,000 fires began as a result of fireworks in the U.S.

“You have something small jump from the grass to a tree to a structure,” said Fire Marshal Luis Da Silva. “Then a small thing ends up being a huge thing.”

Old buildings topped with wood shingle roofs can easily catch fire, Da Silva said.

Firework-related injuries and fires have decreased dramatically thanks to the ban of fireworks, White said.

Pacifica and San Bruno are the only cities in San Mateo County that permit the use of fireworks. Although White respects the decision and believes that the funds collected from sales greatly support local community organizations, he said there are other ways of fundraising.

“Pancake breakfasts are a good alternative,” he said.

White remembers when the banning of fireworks attracted media attention and had some opposition, but the statistical decline of injuries was not debatable.

“Because we have been so successful, the media stopped contacting us on this issue,” he said.

Beginning Friday, the fire department and the police department will be doing joint patrols in the neighborhoods of South San Francisco. The fire department will increase staffing this weekend, White said.

The fire department will confiscate all fireworks, but police will issue repeat offenders a $100 citation. That goes up to $200 and then $500 for further offenses.

Large signs along El Camino Real remind residents and alert visitors that fireworks are illegal in South San Francisco.

If anyone sees the usage of fireworks, White said one should never provoke the person with the fireworks. Instead, South City residents should call the non-emergency police hotline and if the hotline is busy proceed to call 911.

Instead of taking risks with handling fireworks, White suggested residents participate in the many community events available in San Mateo County and catching a professionally organized firework show to celebrate Independence Day.

“It’s a great way to enjoy the time without the $100 box of fireworks,” he said. “And it will probably be a better show.”