Officials warn of fire risk ahead of SF heat wave, July 4 revelry

Officials are asking San Franciscans to leave firework displays to the professionals ahead of the Fourth of July, citing warming temperatures and dry conditions that will put The City at a high fire risk.

Weather officials and emergency responders are advising residents to exercise caution while outside, particularly when it comes to celebrating the holiday.

“We are straight-up asking people to not do fireworks this year because the fire danger is so high and fuels are so ready to burn,” said Nicole Sarment, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Bay Area.

A high pressure system that is currently sitting over the eastern Pacific Ocean and a low pressure system hovering over the southwest U.S. have led to increasing winds in San Francisco, prompting concern from officials.

Temperatures in The City are forecast to reach the lower- to mid-80s for the remainder of the week beginning Tuesday, at which point the Bay Area will be under a Spare the Air Alert . Bay Area Air Quality Management District officials said that air quality will be unhealthy for sensitive groups due to the accumulation of smog in the Bay Area, asking residents to limit driving in order to reduce the risk of air pollution.

It won’t take much for air quality to worsen thanks to a fire, Sarment noted.

“All the grasses need — or whatever vegetation needs — is one spark so that’s why we’re asking people no fireworks,” she said.

As of press time, San Francisco was placed under a heat advisory beginning 11 a.m. Tuesday through 7 p.m. Wednesday. Officials could extend the advisory if temperatures warrant it.

“It’s gonna be warm all week,” Sarment said, adding that fire danger is “very high everywhere” regardless of whether places are under red flag warning. The City was not under such a warning at the time of publication, although the Marin and Sonoma Coastal Rangers were placed under one from 11 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday.

“People need to practice extreme safety and precaution at all times but especially this week,” Sarment said.

Rather than staging their own displays, San Francisco Fire Department Captain Jonathan Baxter encouraged people to attend The City’s Fourth of July fireworks show at Pier 39, which starts at 9:30 p.m. off the Embarcadero, calling it a “safe and enjoyable way to celebrate the holiday.”

“If you hear fireworks, we hear them too,” Baxter added. “Please do not call 911 to report the noise. If you feel it necessary to report the noise, please call 311 in San Francisco.”

Officials said residents should only call if they describe the exact location and provide a description of any individual who might be lighting fireworks.

If the display is considered “an immediate threat to life or property,” Baxter said to call 911.

Officials also said revelers should exercise caution when barbecuing. The fire department said that if residents are barbecuing outside, they need to make sure that the pit is at least 10 feet away from any combustibles, weeds, trees and other structures.

Baxter also said to have a fire extinguisher or water nearby in case you need to extinguish the pit.