Sparkle without Sparks
Celebrate Safely and Prevent Sparking a Fire
The City of Santa Barbara invites community members to celebrate this holiday safely by attending only professional firework displays, such as the Fourth of July Celebration on the waterfront. There’s no better place to enjoy a full day of festivities, including free live music and dance performances on the beach. The celebration culminates with a 20-minute fireworks display around 9:00 p.m.
Due to Santa Barbara County's current drought conditions, the use of unauthorized fireworks poses a significant risk of brush fires. The Santa Barbara Police Department (SBPD) and the Santa Barbara City Fire Department will conduct joint patrols to enforce the ban on illegal fireworks within the city. Individuals found possessing or using personal fireworks may receive misdemeanor citations, a $1000 fine, and/or 6 months in jail.
"Statistics from a report by the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association show that fireworks (objects designed to burn and explode) annually cause tens of millions of dollars in property damage and thousands of injuries, as well as some deaths," Fire Marshal Ryan DiGuilio emphasized. "Santa Barbara City Fire and Police Departments would like to remind all its citizens and visitors that fireworks of any kind are illegal, including safe and sane fireworks. It’s just not worth the risk. Police Officers and Fire Inspectors will be conducting patrols in the city to issue citations and prevent incidents caused by illegal fireworks. We encourage everyone to enjoy the professional fireworks show on West Beach that never disappoints!"
“If You See Something, Say Something!” Report suspicious activities and packages to police. If you know a specific location where illegal fireworks are being set off, please contact SBPD’s Dispatch Center on the Non-Emergency Line.
Non-Emergency Line
(805) 882-8900
Please provide as much information as possible to our dispatchers about the location of the fireworks. For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.
“We want everyone in Santa Barbara to have a safe and wonderful Fourth of July and cannot stress enough the message from Fire Marshal DiGuilio,” stated Police Chief Kelly Gordon. “For those planning to attend the professional fireworks, we would like you to please plan ahead. Multiple road closures will be implemented before the show, so it's important to be prepared. Please celebrate responsibly! If you are drinking alcohol, make sure you have a designated driver and a safe way to get home. There will be extra officers patrolling during the holiday. As a reminder to all drivers, please drive cautiously. Many pedestrians and bicycles will be out during the holiday weekend.”
July 4 Road Closures
- Cabrillo Boulevard (from Castillo Street to Calle Cesar Chavez)
Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. - State Street (from Gutierrez Street to Cabrillo Boulevard)
Closed to vehicle traffic at 6:00 p.m. - Stearns Wharf
Closed to vehicle traffic at 3:30 p.m.
We encourage you to skip the drive and take advantage of the MTD's Downtown-Waterfront Shuttle, which will be in service on July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Parking
Waterfront parking lots will be open on July 4. Stearns Wharf will close to vehicular traffic from 3:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.
Anticipate traffic delays in the area throughout the day. The City's waterfront is bustling on the Fourth of July so parking can be limited; please drive safely and allot enough time to find an available parking spot.
Bicycle Parking
Riding a bike is a great way to attend the festivities! The City provides additional bike racks on Cabrillo Boulevard and in the Harbor during the event.
Safety
Instruct your children to seek assistance from a police officer if they become separated from you.
During the celebration, certified lifeguards and Harbor Patrol officers will be on duty. Lifeguards will be stationed at towers for easy identification, while the Harbor Patrol will be actively patrolling the harbor area by boat.
For additional event and advisory information, visit: SantaBarbaraCA.gov/July4.