San Bruno police, fire report sharp drop in July 4 fireworks calls; recommend adjusted staffing

San Bruno — Police and fire leadership told the city council that post–July 4 public‑safety activity was down from prior years and recommended operational adjustments going forward.

Police Chief Matt Laffine said the department recorded far fewer fireworks calls in the lead‑up to the holiday this year — "27 calls for service involving fireworks" in a recent prior year versus "3" this year — and fewer citations overall. Chief Laffine said the combination of public education, patrol and plainclothes details and coordination with other city departments appeared to reduce call loads and that, unless trends change, the department intends to reconsider an "all hands on deck" staffing model for future Fourth of July operations.

Battalion Chief Tim Wetland of the fire department reported four firework‑related fire calls and described a vegetation/grass fire on 1st Avenue that he estimated "probably got to about 0.25 acre." Fire staffing included an upstaffed ALS engine, an additional battalion chief and mutual‑aid support for isolated incidents.

Staff credited Public Works and Community Services for park lighting and late‑night sprinkler activation at major parks to deter gatherings and reduce fire risk. Staff presented a total approximate cost of just over $61,000 for the city’s operational response to the holiday, slightly lower than last year.

Council members praised staff, asked whether reported call totals include nonactionable calls (police confirmed all calls are recorded in their database), and suggested additional educational materials (for example, disposal instructions to include with legal firework purchases).

Next steps: staff said they will continue public‑education efforts, maintain interdepartmental coordination and consider targeted outreach materials to reinforce safe disposal practices.