The city of Santa Barbara invites community members to celebrate the Independence Day holiday safely by attending only professional firework displays, such as the Fourth of July Celebration on the waterfront.
Festivities include free live music and dance performances on the beach, with the grand finale of a 20-minute fireworks display around 9 p.m.
Due to Santa Barbara County’s current drought conditions, the use of unauthorized fireworks poses a significant risk of brush fires, the city warns.
The Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) and Santa Barbara City Fire Department will conduct joint patrols to enforce the ban on illegal fireworks within the city.
Individuals found possessing or using personal fireworks may receive misdemeanor citations, a $1000 fine, and/or six months in jail.
”Statistics from a report by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association show that fireworks (objects designed to burn and explode) annually cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage and thousands of injuries, as well as some deaths,” Fire Marshal Ryan DiGuilio said.
“Santa Barbara City Fire and Police departments would like to remind all its citizens and visitors that fireworks of any kind are illegal, including safe and sane fireworks. It’s just not worth the risk,” DiGuilio said.
“Police officers and fire inspectors will be conducting patrols in the city to issue citations and prevent incidents caused by illegal fireworks,” he said. “We encourage everyone to enjoy the professional fireworks show on West Beach that never disappoints.”
Community members are urged to report suspicious activities and packages to police.
If you know a specific location where illegal fireworks are being set off, contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center on the Non-Emergency Line, 805-882-8900. Provide as much information as possible to dispatchers about the location of the fireworks. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
“We want everyone in Santa Barbara to have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July and cannot stress enough the message from Fire Marshal DiGuilio,” said Police Chief Kelly Gordon.
“For those planning to attend the professional fireworks, we would like you to please plan ahead. Multiple road closures will be implemented before the show, so it’s important to be prepared,” he said.
July 4 Road Closures
• Cabrillo Boulevard (Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez)
Closed to vehicle traffic at 6 p.m.
• State Street (Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard)
Closed to vehicle traffic at 6 p.m.
• Stearns Wharf
Closed to vehicle traffic at 3:30 p.m.
Waterfront parking lots will be open on July 4. Stearns Wharf will close to vehicular traffic from 3:30-9:45 p.m.
During the celebration, certified lifeguards and Harbor Patrol officers will be on duty. Lifeguards will be stationed at towers for easy identification, while the Harbor Patrol will be actively patrolling the harbor area by boat.
For more, visit SantaBarbaraCA.gov/July4.