We, the undersigned, urge city, county, and state officials to ban the sale, possession, and use of all consumer fireworks in Watsonville, Santa Cruz County, and throughout California—including “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

⚠️ Why This Matters:

🔥 Wildfire Danger

California faces extreme fire risk. Fireworks have sparked countless wildfires across the state, including the tragic explosion and fire in Yolo County on July 1, 2025, that killed 7 people and burned 78 acres. These are preventable disasters.

Example: The 2020 El Dorado Fire was started by pyrotechnics and burned over 22,000 acres.

🚨 Public Safety Threats

Fireworks cause thousands of injuries every year. In Watsonville alone, police have confiscated hundreds of pounds of illegal fireworks. This puts children, pets, and entire neighborhoods at risk.Fireworks cause thousands of injuries annually.
In 2023, over 10,200 people were treated in ERs for firework-related injuries in the U.S.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable.

🐾 Noise Trauma

Veterans with PTSD, animals, infants, and elders are deeply affected by the loud explosions—legal and illegal alike. Fireworks disrupt peace, harm mental health, and trigger anxiety for days.

🌎 Environmental Pollution

Fireworks release toxic chemicals into the air and waterways, and leave behind dangerous debris in parks, streets, and natural areas.

👮 Overwhelmed Enforcement

Despite strong efforts from local police and fire officials, enforcement of fireworks bans is nearly impossible as long as they remain legally available.

✅ What We’re Asking For:

We respectfully call on:

The Watsonville City Council to pass a local ordinance banning all fireworks sales and use.
The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to adopt a countywide ban.
The California State Legislature to pass a statewide ban on all consumer fireworks—including so-called “Safe and Sane” types.

We don’t need explosives to celebrate. Let’s choose safer, quieter, and cleaner ways to bring joy to our communities.

Sign this petition to protect our people, pets, and planes

3. Noise Trauma

Loud fireworks terrify pets, cause severe anxiety in children, seniors, and people with PTSD (like veterans).
Dogs and cats often run away and get injured or lost during fireworks season.

4. Environmental Pollution Fireworks release toxic chemicals like barium, strontium, and perchlorates into the air and water.

Smoke from fireworks contributes to poor air quality and asthma triggers.

5. Illegal Use Even With Restrictions

Even where “safe and sane” fireworks are legal, illegal fireworks flood neighborhoods.
Cities can’t enforce bans effectively unless sales are banned statewide.

6. Better Alternatives Exist

Laser shows, light displays, and community events are safer, quieter, and more environmentally friendly.
We can still celebrate — just without the destruction.

✅ What We’re Asking:

We urge city and state leaders to:

Ban the sale and use of all fireworks, including “safe and sane” types.
Increase fines and enforcement on illegal fireworks.
Invest in safe, non-explosive alternatives for celebrations.