Ban All Consumer Fireworks in Fresno Before More Lives, Homes, and Animals Are Put at Risk

Every Fourth of July, Fresno celebrates America's freedom. But every year we also see preventable fires, exhausted first responders, frightened pets, distressed veterans, and neighborhoods filled with smoke. We believe we can celebrate our nation's independence in a way that better protects the people, pets, and places we all love.

While Fresno already prohibits aerial and exploding fireworks, "Safe and Sane" fireworks remain legal. Unfortunately, "safe" does not always mean harmless. Every Independence Day, our firefighters and law enforcement officers spend countless hours responding to fires, injuries, illegal fireworks, and hundreds of emergency calls.

Our first responders are already stretched thin. Instead of celebrating with our families, many spend the holiday working mandatory overtime, risking their own safety while protecting ours.

Our veterans deserve better.

Many men and women who courageously served our country live with PTSD. The constant explosions throughout the evening—and often for days before and after the holiday—can trigger anxiety, panic, and traumatic memories. We should honor their sacrifice, not unintentionally deepen their wounds.

Our pets and wildlife deserve better.

Every year, animal shelters receive lost pets that panic and escape during fireworks. Veterinarians treat injuries caused by fear and attempts to flee. Wildlife is also displaced and stressed by repeated explosions.

Our neighborhoods deserve better.

Fresno experiences extreme summer heat and dry conditions. Fireworks increase the risk of preventable fires that threaten homes, businesses, and lives.

We are not asking people to stop celebrating Independence Day.

We are asking Fresno to celebrate more safely through professionally managed fireworks displays or modern alternatives such as drone and light shows that families can enjoy together without putting neighborhoods at unnecessary risk.

We respectfully ask the Fresno City Council to:

• Ban the sale and use of all consumer fireworks, including "Safe and Sane" fireworks, within Fresno city limits.

• Expand safe community celebrations through professionally managed public events.

• Continue strong enforcement against illegal fireworks.

If you believe public safety should come before consumer fireworks, please sign this petition and share it with your friends, neighbors, and family members who live in Fresno.

Together, we can protect our firefighters, law enforcement officers, veterans, children, pets, wildlife, and our community.