Fire danger, overcrowding prompt San Jose to cancel July 4 celebration at Almaden Lake

SAN JOSE RESIDENT Cathie Bacosa woke up around midnight last year to a fire ravaging her backyard in the neighborhood she’s lived in for 28 years. She thinks it was likely from fireworks. It was July 4, and more than 30,000 people had crowded into the small neighborhood to watch the annual Almaden Lake Park fireworks display near her home.

The fire destroyed Bacosa’s kitchen and backyard, forcing her and her family to live in a hotel for five months. She’s one of dozens of residents glad local officials have canceled the annual fireworks display this year, despite it being the 10th year of the lakeside festivities. The celebration included an afternoon festival and a nighttime fireworks display.