If you were planning to light even a single sparkler in Burlingame, Hillsborough or Millbrae this Fourth of July, officials have a blunt message for you: do not.
The Central County Fire Department is warning that all consumer fireworks are banned in the three cities and is urging residents to stick to professional shows as the Peninsula heads into a hot, dry holiday stretch that firefighters say could turn one stray spark into a fast-moving blaze. That includes the so-called safe and sane variety, which authorities say are still illegal inside city limits and subject to seizure.
What Officials Are Saying
According to the Central County Fire Department, which serves Burlingame, Hillsborough and Millbrae, “all fireworks are prohibited” within city limits over the holiday weekend. The department’s advisory was amplified on X by Central County Fire, boosting the message well beyond the central Peninsula.
ALL fireworks are prohibited in Burlingame, Hillsborough, and Millbrae. ✨ Leave the fireworks to the professionals! #firesafety #4thofJuly #safenotsorry pic.twitter.com/3GGt6MERZz
— Central County Fire (@centralcountyfd) June 30, 2026
Fire officials are nudging families toward permitted public shows instead of backyard pyrotechnics, framing it as both a safety move and a way to avoid a run-in with law enforcement.
Local Laws And Penalties
According to Ecode360, Burlingame’s municipal code makes it unlawful to possess, fire or discharge fireworks anywhere in the city and explicitly allows authorities to confiscate illegal stashes.
Ecode360 shows that Millbrae’s ordinance takes a similar approach, banning possession and use of fireworks except in the case of properly permitted public displays.
The same basic rule applies in Hillsborough, which recently reminded residents via an e-announcement that fireworks are illegal throughout town, according to the Town of Hillsborough.
Why Officials Are Worried
San Mateo County is currently listed as “Permit Required” on the statewide burn-status page run by CAL FIRE, a sign that summer conditions are dry enough that any ember could spread quickly without careful control. CAL FIRE indicates the county shifted into permit-required status in May.
On top of the fire risk, regional air regulators and local reporting point out that fireworks trigger short-term spikes in fine-particle air pollution that can aggravate asthma and other respiratory issues, according to KQED.
Enforcement And Practical Tips
Officials say police and fire personnel have clear authority to confiscate illegal fireworks and that violators can face fines or other penalties under local law. Both Burlingame’s and Millbrae’s rules give officers power to seize unlawful stock, as reflected in Ecode360.
If you see a fire or someone is hurt, you are urged to call 911 immediately. For non-emergency fireworks concerns, residents are advised to contact their local police department or the Central County Fire non-emergency line.
Where To Watch A Show
For those who want the boom without the ticket, San Francisco is planning a professional display from the Golden Gate Bridge on July 4, with additional permitted community shows scheduled across the Bay Area.
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department has posted details on the bridge show, including viewing tips and expected road closures.
Fire officials say the safest game plan is simple: skip the backyard explosives and enjoy a licensed public display instead. If something does go wrong and a fire breaks out or someone is injured, call 911 right away.
