Police Warn Against Use of Fireworks on Fourth of July

Local police departments want residents to have fun on the Fourth of July, but are also reminding the public to refrain from using fireworks.

In Belmont, San Mateo and other nearby cities, all fireworks including safe and sane fireworks are illegal.

Police say it's illegal to possess, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use, or explode any fireworks, including “safe and sane” fireworks as defined in the California State Health and Safety Laws.

The purpose of this law is to prevent injuries, maintain order in neighborhoods and prevent fire or damage to structures and/or vegetation.

Police say they will enforce a zero-tolerance policy on the issue.

Police have offered the following tips to maintain a safe and healthy Independence Day celebration:

• Traditionally, the Fourth of July holiday is celebrated as an outdoors event and protection from the heat and sun is very important. Drink plenty of fluids, limit your time in direct sunlight, and apply adequate sun protection products.
• When cooking outside, you should verify that your cooking equipment and propane tanks are in good working order. Check the tanks for gas leaks by using a soapy solution. We advise everyone to have a working fire extinguisher.
• Make sure all ignition sources, such as cooking equipment, smoking material, etc., are under control and far enough away from combustibles, vegetation, etc. Small ignition sources can smolder for hours after being discarded, even though you might believe them to be extinguished. These smoldering items can ignite into an open flame.

Anyone with questions or concerns can call the Belmont Police Department at 650-595-7400.