With the Fourth of July weekend upon us, many of us in Sonoma County are looking forward to sunshine, BBQs, and time with family and friends. At Barber Insurance Agency, we love seeing our community come together to celebrate—but we also want to take a moment to echo an important reminder from the Santa Rosa Fire Department: all fireworks are illegal within the City of Santa Rosa, including so-called “Safe and Sane” fireworks sold in nearby cities.
Violations can result in fines of up to $1,000 and even arrest, but more importantly, fireworks can cause devastating fires, serious injuries, and immense strain on emergency services—especially in our fire-prone region. According to the National Fire Protection Association, fireworks start an average of 31,000 fires each year. Here in Santa Rosa, where nearly a third of the city falls within the Wildland-Urban Interface Fire Area, the risks are simply too high.
Fire Chief Scott Westrope put it best:
“Each year, fireworks cause countless fires, devastating injuries, and emergency calls that strain first responders and put lives at risk... Choosing not to use them this year could save lives, property, and preserve the peace of our neighborhoods.”
Safer Ways to Celebrate:
Attend a professional show. Check out the Fired Up Freedom fireworks display at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds—more details are available at SonomaCountyFair.com.
Enjoy family-friendly alternatives. Glow sticks, noisemakers, and LED sparklers can keep the celebration bright and safe for kids.
Join community events that offer music, food, and fun without the fire risk.
At Barber Insurance Agency, we’re proud to protect what matters most to you—and that includes the homes, businesses, and families that make our community strong. Let’s all do our part to keep Sonoma County safe this weekend.
From all of us at Barber Insurance, have a safe and happy Fourth of July!