Fireworks urgency ordinance reminder

Published on June 12, 2023

Historically, Menlo Park has seen increased instances of use of fireworks in the summer months and specifically on and around the Fourth of July. The City Council created the fireworks urgency ordinance in 2021 in order to deter firework usage throughout the city. This is a reminder that the ordinance is still in effect and will continue to be enforced.

All fireworks including “safe and sane” fireworks are prohibited in the City of Menlo Park. There has been a 25 percent increase in fireworks injuries in the last fifteen years, and most significantly pose a serious risk of fire. In addition, fireworks can cause significant anxiety in adults and children, especially veterans and others with post-traumatic stress, as well as pets.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in 2021 there were 1,500 emergency department treated injuries associated with firecrackers. There were an additional 1,100 injuries involving sparklers. Sparklers can rapidly ignite clothing and burn at a very high temperature that can cause third-degree burns. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to leave it to the professionals and attend one of the many displays offered around the Bay Area.

This fireworks urgency ordinance allows police officers to arrest and cite violators for the following:
• Sale or offer to sale fireworks of any kind or nature within the city.
• Fire, discharge, burn or use fireworks of any kind or nature within the city.

There is a $1,000 citation issued to any person who violates this ordinance. Additionally, possession of fireworks is a misdemeanor under California Health and Safety Code - HSC § 12561 and could result in imprisonment in the county jail for a period of up to six months if the violation leads to substantial bodily injuries or property damage.

Read the entire ordinance in the city's municipal code.