Officials urge residents to report illegal fireworks

Fire officials are warning residents about illegal fireworks as San Jose gears up to celebrate the Fourth of July on Thursday. All types of fireworks are banned in San Jose, aside from permitted Independence Day events, and their use carries fines of up to $500 for a first offense. Selling fireworks can result in jail time and a fine of up to $50,000, according to the city.

Fireworks are illegal throughout Santa Clara County, with the exception of “safe and sane” fireworks from authorized vendors in Gilroy. In the interest of preventing fires, property damage and injury, fire officials are asking residents to report illegal fireworks online or at (408) 535-5600.

A reporting form is available from July 1-8 in multiple languages at https://sjcdot.knack.com/fireworks#report-illegal-fireworks/. Anyone who reports fireworks will have to provide their name, an address and a description or photograph of the incident.