During the month of June, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office and partners will be hosting a series of anonymous fireworks buyback events across San Mateo County. The program aims to enhance community safety by encouraging residents to turn in fireworks, which are illegal in all of San Mateo County, with the exception of the cities of Pacifica and San Bruno.
In 2023, under the leadership of Sheriff Christina Corpus, the Sheriff’s Office hosted its first fireworks buyback event in North Fair Oaks as a pilot program. The buyback was a resounding success with approximately 400 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives collected. That same year, the Sheriff’s Office saw a reduction in the calls for service on the Fourth of July in North Fair Oaks.
This year, the program is expanding to include locations on the coast and in North County, in addition to North Fair Oaks. Additionally, the Sheriff’s Office is increasing the cash reward for turning in fireworks. Those who turn in fireworks can now receive up $200 cash with no questions asked.
“In its first year, our fireworks buyback program made a significant impact, leading to a greater sense of safety and well-being for our North Fair Oaks community. Thanks to support from President Slocum and the entire San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, I’m proud to announce that this year we’re expanding this very important program to our North County and Coastside communities,” said Sheriff Corpus. “By attending only sanctioned fireworks shows, we can celebrate responsibly and ensure everyone has a safe July 4 holiday.”
Here are the dates for the three fireworks buyback events:
- Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coastside Fire Protection District Headquarters located at 1191 Main St., Half Moon Bay
- Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Northern Branch Courthouse located at 1050 Mission Road, South San Francisco
- Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new Sheriff's Office Substation located at 690 Broadway, in Redwood City
This program is supported by the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors with Measure K funding. Additionally, these events would not be possible without the following partner agencies: Brisbane Police Department, Broadmoor Police Department, Coastside Fire Protection District/CAL FIRE, Colma Police Department, Daly City Police Department, East Palo Alto Police Department, Menlo Park Police Department, Redwood City Police Department, San Bruno Police Department, South San Francisco Fire Department and South San Francisco Police Department.
The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office has a zero tolerance approach to addressing illegal fireworks. To read the County’s fireworks ordinance, which was bolstered in 2023 and includes increased penalties for violators, click here.
Gretchen Spiker
Sheriff's Office
Director of Communications
pio@smcgov.org