Ahead of the Fourth of July, the Bay Area Air District is asking residents to avoid using personal fireworks.
Personal fireworks, from small sparklers to aerial skyrockets, cause pollution and increase the risk of wildfires. Vulnerable populations — such as children, older people, and those with respiratory conditions — can also be endangered by personal firework displays.
The air district instead recommends that residents attend firework shows organized by local governments.
“As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July this weekend, let’s all do our part to keep the air clean and our communities safe by not lighting personal fireworks,” said Dr. Phillip Fine, executive officer of the Bay Area Air District.