This week, the San Pablo City Council agreed in a 4-0 vote to increase fines for illegal fireworks while also holding property owners, and other hosts, responsible for fireworks use
Police Chief Brian Bubar provided a presentation to the council which included data and the proposed fireworks ordinance amendment.
According to Bubar, in 2021, the city amended its municipal code to prohibit fireworks and declare illegal fireworks a public nuisance—prohibited the use, possession, igniting, discharge and explode, display for sale, offer for sale, or store, manufacture. The penalty was deemed criminal/infraction, administrative action or civil nuisance.
Bubar also shared how fireworks are dangerous and a public safety issue while citing recent incidents which include:
- July 1 – two San Pablo residents (22 y/o & 18 y/o) were killed in a Yolo County fireworks warehouse explosion
- July 4 – NFL running back Najee Harris injured his eye during a firework’s “mishap” at a party in the City of Antioch. (more info)
- July 2025 – Contra Costa County Fire responded to 83 fires within Contra Costa County during 4th of July celebrations.
He also shared with the council since 2020, they saw an alarming increase in fireworks calls for service, including 88 calls in 2019 but jumped up to 443 in 2020. He added the challenge is there are areas near San Pablo where residents can drive to purchase fireworks, even though Contra Costa County is illegal.
Since adopting the original ordinance, they have seen a decrease, however, the past two years they have now seen an increase—including 2025 where they are on pace to have another increase. Since January 2020, they have responded to 1,513 fireworks calls for service.
Bubar shared with the council that they looked at the County of Sacramento and City of citrus Heights which addresses the “social host” and puts it on the host — including strict penalty and fines, and enforcement of the fireworks
“The amendment increases accountability, holds property owners responsible, holds tenants responsible, and gives us, the Police Department, stronger tools for code enforcement and policing,” said Bubar.
Under the expanded prohibition, which could be formally approved by October 20, continues the prohibition of possession, sale, use, discharge of fireworks, but extends liability to “hosts”. Hosts are defined as:
- Owner/tenants held responsible for violations occurring on their own properties
- Extends to violations occurring on public streets, sidewalks, and parks near private property
Penalties include:
- $1,000 administrative citation on first offense
- $2,500 administrative citations on 2nd office within same 1-year period.
- *potential additional reimbursement of public safety personnel costs.
Ultimately, the council approved the item in a 4-0 vote as councilmember Patricia Ponce was absent. If the ordinance is approved by October 20, the ordinance would be effective by November 19, 2025—which would help them get the word out to the public ahead of New Years.
Editors note – back in 2021, the City of Oakley updated its fireworks ordinance to increase the penalties on fireworks and hold “social hosts” accountable for firework discharges. In 2023, the city of Livermore updated its ordinance to include a social host. Meanwhile, in July, Contra Costa County Fire Sees 14.5% Decrease in July 4 Activity
San Pablo Proposed Ordinance: Click Here
