The San Bernardino City Council is considering an immediate moratorium on the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks as officials explore a permanent ban ahead of this year’s Independence Day festivities.
Residents divided over fireworks safety concerns
The proposed pause would give the city time to assess the risks and financial burdens associated with fireworks, which have sparked heated debate among residents.
“It’s dangerous. It scares me,” said John Shollenberger, a longtime San Bernardino homeowner. “I’ve worked all my life for that house, and I don’t want it to go up in flames.”
Shollenberger admitted he avoids leaving home on the Fourth of July due to fears of reckless fireworks use. “People get the idea that ‘Oh, fireworks are legal in San Bernardino, we can light off whatever we want!’ No, that’s not it.”
City officials argue that even state-approved fireworks—sold exclusively by licensed nonprofits—are frequently misused, leading to a surge in emergency calls.
Enforcement challenges and financial strain
San Bernardino generates roughly $94,000 annually from fireworks sales but spends nearly $269,000 on permitting and enforcement. Police also face heightened workloads responding to both legal and illegal fireworks complaints.
“I’m concerned with how they may impact our enforcement overall,” said San Bernardino Police Chief Darren Goodman.
Goodman expressed skepticism that a moratorium would improve safety, noting that legal fireworks help officers distinguish illegal, more dangerous explosives. Last year, undercover operations targeting illicit fireworks led to a noticeable drop in emergency calls by Independence Day.
“We went out, we did undercover operations, we did social media purchases of illegal fireworks, and we collected so many by the fourth,” Goodman said. “By the time the fourth came around, our calls for service for fireworks went down.”
Some residents push back against ban
Not all locals support the potential prohibition. Anthony George Lang Jr., a fireworks enthusiast, questioned the city’s approach, according to KCAL News.
“How are they making decisions on what you can and cannot do?” Lang said. “I can see if you’re doing something unsafely.”
The council has not yet finalized its decision but is expected to weigh the economic, safety, and enforcement implications before the holiday.
