Fireworks are illegal in Santa Clara County, and Cal Fire and Sheriff's officials are reminding residents and visitors of the law.
The sale, purchase, transport, storage or use of fireworks in Santa Clara County is unlawful—except for Gilroy where so-called "safe-and-sane" fireworks are allowed, according to Santa Clara County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Jose Cardoza.
Fireworks purchased in the Garlic City, however, must not be transported, used or possessed outside of Gilroy's jurisdiction, Cardoza said.
All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Santa Clara County because they cause serious injuries and often start fires, Cal Fire officials said.
Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.
"Any person or persons that cause a wildland fire by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all fire suppression costs," Cal Fire officials said. "These costs can run into the millions of dollars."
Anyone caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citation, or arrest, all illegal fireworks will be confiscated, according to Cal Fire.
For a list of towns allowing state-approved fireworks, please click here.
