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City of Palo Alto, CA

06/24/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/24/2026 11:05

Celebrate the Fourth Safely: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Celebrate the Fourth Safely: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Published on June 24, 2026

"One spark can turn a celebration into an emergency. This Fourth of July, protect our community-skip the fireworks and leave the show to the professionals." - Steve Lindsey, Palo Alto Fire Chief

City Hall will be lit up red, white and blue on July 3, 4 and 5!

Fire Station 8 Staffing

Fire Station 8 in Foothills Nature Preserve is officially open for seasonal staffing during the period of increased wildfire risk and summer visitor activity. Through our partnership with the Los Altos Hills County Fire District and Santa Clara County Fire, the station is staffed daily by a PAFD or SCCFD fire engine and three-person crew, including advanced life support paramedic capability.

Police Response

If you see or hear illegal fireworks, we are here to help. Give 24-hour non-emergency dispatch center a call at and we'll investigate. We want everyone to be fire safe!

While it is most helpful to receive reports where our residents can see the fireworks to report an actual or suspected location, we fully realize that is not possible during the overnight hours when our residents are sleeping and being awakened by this noise. We encourage people to call us when they hear the fireworks anyway, as it may help us understand generally where they are occurring.

Hand Over Fireworks at a Fire Station

Fireworks of all kinds can be surrendered at any station of the Palo Alto Fire Department:

  • Fire Station #1 - 301 Alma Street
  • Fire Station #2 - 2675 Hanover Street
  • Fire Station #3 - 799 Embarcadero Road
  • Fire Station #4 (Temporary Location) - 4000 Middlefield Road
  • Fire Station #5 - 600 Arastradero Road
  • Fire Station #6 - 711 Serra Street

Other Resources

Hearing Fireworks and Heightened Anxiety

For some, hearing fireworks can trigger anxiety, fear, and panic. Here are some resources to help others understand the unique challenges that fireworks present to some, and tips to help ease nerves and anxiety.

Tips on How to Celebrate Without Fireworks
  • Use glow sticks, they glow in the dark and are a safe alternative to a sparkler.
  • Noise makers are sure to make a statement. They can be found at local party supply stores or make your own.
  • Set up a screen and projector for an outdoor movie night.
  • Watch a nationally televised program.
Resources for Pet Owners and Animals

Fireworks can also cause stress and anxiety for our furry friends. Here are some resources and tips to help your pets and animals. Tips to keep your animal save during fireworks include: closing all gates, doors, and windows; bringing your pets indoors; turn up the TV or play loud music to drown out noise; never let your dogs off leash; make sure they're wearing a collar with ID tag; and update their microchip registration. You can also consider using a crate or purchasing a thundershirt to help calm your pet down.

City of Palo Alto, CA published this content on June 24, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on June 24, 2026 at 17:05 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]