|
Reducing the Health and Environmental Impacts of Fireworks
 Every summer, one night stands out as a major source of air pollution across the San Joaquin Valley: the 4th of July. This annual spike in harmful air pollutants is primarily caused by the widespread use of personal fireworks in neighborhoods throughout the region. While these displays may be visually stunning, they come with a significant cost to public health and air quality. That’s why the Valley Air District continues to urge residents to limit or avoid the use of personal fireworks during the 4th of July holiday and throughout the year.
Fireworks emit high levels of fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which is a dangerous combination of soot, ash, and toxic metals such as lead and barium. These microscopic particles are small enough to bypass the body’s natural defenses, traveling deep into the lungs and even entering the bloodstream. Exposure to PM2.5 can lead to serious health issues, including asthma attacks, heart problems, strokes, and other respiratory and cardiovascular complications. Vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions face the greatest risks. On the 4th of July, air quality monitors throughout the Valley often register PM2.5 levels four to five times higher than what is considered safe, especially during the evening hours when fireworks activity is at its peak.
The concerns don’t stop at air pollution. Fireworks also pose a variety of safety risks, including injuries, wildfires, and property damage. Additionally, the loud explosions can be distressing for pets, wildlife, veterans with PTSD, and people sensitive to noise.
To support healthier and safer celebrations, the District encourages Valley residents to attend large-scale, professionally organized fireworks shows instead of setting off personal fireworks. These events are typically managed with strict safety protocols and produce fewer localized emissions, offering a more responsible way to enjoy the holiday.
In an effort to further reduce pollution and promote innovative alternatives, the District launched its Clean Alternatives to Fireworks Pilot Incentive Program. Through this program, several communities across the Valley have hosted drone light shows, which are an exciting, high-tech, and zero-emission replacement for traditional fireworks. These shows feature coordinated fleets of LED-lit drones that create colorful, animated patterns in the night sky, all choreographed to music for a breathtaking visual experience.
Drone shows are quickly gaining popularity for a variety of celebrations, from Independence Day and New Year’s Eve to graduations and community festivals. Not only are they visually impressive, but they also offer many other benefits.
Why Drone Shows Are a Better Choice:
-
Cleaner air – No smoke or pollution, making it easier for everyone to breathe
-
Peaceful and pet-friendly – No loud booms, which means less stress for animals and sensitive individuals
-
Safe and smart – Eliminates fire risk and injury associated with pyrotechnics
-
Fully customizable – Drones can display logos, messages, and animated scenes synced to music
-
Modern and memorable – A fresh twist on traditional celebrations that people of all ages can enjoy
Interested in Hosting a Drone Show? Here’s What You Should Know:
-
Plan ahead – Contact a drone show company 2 to 6 months in advance to reserve your date
-
Hire professionals – Make sure the company handles all necessary permits and FAA approvals
-
Customize your show – Choose your own music, themes, and animations to match your event
-
Pick the perfect location – Open spaces with minimal light pollution provide the best visibility
By choosing cleaner and safer alternatives like drone shows, Valley residents can still celebrate in spectacular fashion without compromising air quality, safety, or community well-being.
|
|
Governing Board Welcomes New Member
Jose Rodriguez, Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Madera, joins the District’s Governing Board, attending his first meeting last month. He is serving his third term on the Madera City Council.
Born in Merced and raised in Planada, Rodriguez graduated high school in 1994 and went on to study at CSU Sacramento and Merced Junior College. He began his mortgage lending career in Madera in 2001, earned his real estate broker’s license, and launched his own mortgage lending business.
Rodriguez also serves as Chair of the Madera County Transportation Commission, Chair of Madera LAFCO, Commissioner of the Madera Housing Authority, and member of the San Joaquin Regional Policy Council.
|
|
|
South Stockton Residents Go Green with New Electric Mowers at Recent Trade-In Event
On Saturday, June 28, the Valley Air District, in partnership with Valley Clean Air Now (Valley CAN), hosted a combined Lawnmower Trade-in and Tune-In Tune-Up event at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds. At the event, 400 residents who live in the Stockton AB 617 boundary exchanged their old, polluting gas-powered lawnmowers for new, free zero-emission, electric Stihl lawnmowers.
Additionally, 450 Valley residents took part in the Tune-In Tune-Up smog repair event, where they received a free emissions test and, if needed, a repair voucher worth up to $850 for emissions-related repairs.
As part of the event, 141 residents also signed up to receive a free residential air purifier through the Stockton AB 617 Clean Air Rooms program.
The next event is anticipated to take place early 2026. In the meantime, residents can still trade-in their old gas-powered lawnmowers by participating in the Clean Green Yard Machines: Residential program independently. For more details, see program guidelines.
|
|
|
Upgrade Now, Breathe Easier this Winter
It may be hot now, but before long, chilly winter nights will return, and many residents will be looking for ways to stay warm.
For those who rely on wood-burning fireplaces or older wood/pellet stoves, the Valley Air District encourages you to plan ahead and upgrade your home heating through the Fireplace & Woodstove Change-Out program.
Residential wood burning is one of the leading sources of wintertime PM2.5 emissions in the Valley and can significantly impact neighborhood air quality. The Change-Out Program offers up to $5,000 to help residents replace open-hearth fireplaces or older wood/pellet stoves with cleaner, more efficient options such as an electric heat pump or a natural gas insert.
Now is the perfect time to make the switch, well before the cold weather arrives. Learn more at: valleyair.org/change-out.
|
|
|
Calendar Entries Accepted Year-Round
Calling all student artists! The District is looking for artwork with clean air themes from students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade for its annual Healthy Air Living Kids’ Calendar Contest.
The deadline for 2026 calendar entries is Sept. 26, 2025. Winning artists will each get a $100 scholarship, and the cover artist will receive $500. For contest rules, entry forms and more info, visit the calendar contest website: www.valleyair.org/kidscalendar.
|
|
Visit the News Room for additional Valley Air District news releases. |
|
|
|
|
