Where Are 'Safe and Sane' Fireworks Allowed in Pacifica?

July Fourth may just be a little safer, saner and cleaner in Pacifica this year thanks to the Pacifica City Council accepting the recommendations of the Fireworks Task Force Committee on June 10, 2013, which only allows fireworks on a portion of Linda Mar Beach.

The Pacifica Police Department issued the following press release, detailing the areas in Pacifica where "safe and sane" fireworks will be allowed in Pacifica:

The only beach area in the City of Pacifica where “Safe and Sane” fireworks will be allowed will be on Linda Mar Beach directly west of the north Linda Mar Beach parking lot. This area will extend to approximately 10 feet east of the tideline and from north of the Taco Bell Restaurant to the north end of the Linda Mar Beach parking lot. Two alternate sites are also being provided at the south Linda Mar Beach parking lot (asphalt area) and the south Rockaway Beach parking lot (asphalt area). No fireworks are allowed on any other beach areas in Pacifica.

One of the main concerns of the Fireworks Task Force Committee was the litter created by the fireworks ending up in the ocean and presenting a potential danger to sea life and litter remaining on the beaches and the environmental hazards related to this. All citizens are being asked to be diligent in cleaning up the areas where they are celebrating the holiday. Whether at the beach, in the neighborhoods or elsewhere, everyone is being asked to pick up their litter and dispose of it appropriately. Additional trash receptacles will be made available at the defined Linda Mar Beach area and in the south Linda Mar Beach parking lot and south Rockaway Beach parking lot.

The non-profit groups that benefit from the sales of the “Safe and Sane” fireworks meet the following day on July 5th at 7:30 AM at Linda Mar Beach and Rockaway Beach to conduct clean-up. These groups will also meet on July 20th at Linda Mar Beach near Taco Bell and August 3rd at the south Rockaway Beach parking lot at 9:00 AM in coordination with the Pacifica Beach Coalition to conduct clean-up. These clean-up efforts are open to the public and the public is invited to participate in these worthwhile efforts in keeping Pacifica clean.

Another way to enjoy a fun and festive holiday is to have a block party. Having a block party does require a City of Pacifica Block Party Permit, which are available on-line at the City website or at the Pacifica Police Department.

As in previous years, it is illegal to possess any fireworks within the Pacifica city limits that are not approved by the California State Fire Marshall as “Safe and Sane.” Legal fireworks can be easily identified by a state fire marshal seal on the packaging and firework device. The Pacifica Police Department will take a zero tolerance approach towards possessing illegal fireworks. Persons possessing other than “Safe and Sane” fireworks are subject to arrest AND a $1,000 administrative fine.

Illegal fireworks are not allowed anywhere in Pacifica.