Many people across the Bay Area are getting ready for the Fourth of July celebrations and authorities are on high alert to make sure everyone is taking proper precautions to have a safe holiday.
Only about a dozen Bay Area cities allow the safe and sane fireworks, but the majority of them do not allow them. Yet, people still buy and use them.
So, San Jose created an online tool where neighbors can report the use of illegal fireworks.
More people are using the website because once you go online, you have the option to report anonymously.
However, fire officials say it’s a good idea to leave your contact information should they have any follow-up questions and need to get in touch.
The use of illegal fireworks is a serious concern in San Jose, especially now that it is fire season.
And as we’ve seen with recent fires, they can spread really quickly and cause a lot of damage. All fireworks are illegal in San Jose, but in neighboring Gilroy, safe and sane fireworks are legal.
And officials believe people head over to Gilroy, load up, and then fire them off here.
KRON4 spoke to a couple of people on Tuesday who have heard fireworks going off since the weekend.
One woman tells KRON4 it was so loud outside their home last night, her young brother was startled and could not shake it all night long.
And that’s one of the many reasons the city is cracking down on illegal fireworks and getting the public involved.
Keep in mind, citations start at $500.