People Are Celebrating Fourth of July Early in Redwood City

Some Redwood City residents are starting to celebrate the Fourth of July early by blowing up fireworks within city borders, a move that Redwood City Police say is illegal.

Police records show 12 reports of fireworks exploding at multiple locations on Tuesday, along with five reports of gunshots, which may have been violent or celebratory in nature.  In either case, the City of Redwood City does not condone the activity. 

“Celebrating the 4th of July by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal; it can hurt or kill people,” said Malcolm Smith, City of Redwood City spokesperson.  

Multiple shots were heard near 5th and 7th Avenues in Fair Oaks around 11 p.m. on Tuesday, while fireworks exploded at Bay Road and Florence Street. According to police records the fireworks were lit in the field near a warehouse. 

About an hour later, fireworks that may have been M80s exploded on Hudson Street. Four minutes later, more fireworks or gunshots exploded near Woodside Road and other streets throughout town. 

Police records show that the person or people responsible for causing the ruckus had left the scenes by the time officers arrived.  It is not clear if these are all related incidents or independent parties lighting up the night.

What is clear is that Redwood City Police will be making an extra effort to find people who have fireworks. Fireworks purchased in other cities and brought into cities are not supposed to be blowin up within Redwood City’s borders.  

“The City's goal in this effort is for the community to have a safe, fun 4th of July holiday, and to prevent fire or injury incidents related to fireworks,” Smith said

The City of Redwood City will be hosting a fireworks show at the Port of Redwood City to commemorate Independence Day.  Find out more information about that in this post.