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One of Redwood City’s most anticipated celebrations will look different this year, as the city replaces its traditional Fourth of July fireworks with a drone show, a more environmentally friendly alternative, according to the city and experts.
“We want to help families and young people understand that fireworks, even the ones that seem harmless, can lead to serious injuries and destructive fires,” Deputy City Manager Jennifer Yamugama said.
The celebration, which will take place at the Port of Redwood City, will feature a drone light show with synchronized aerial choreography beginning at 9:30 p.m. According to the city, the change was driven by multiple factors, including the drone show’s lack of smoke, debris and fire risk, as well as its reduced impact on air quality. The city’s website also notes the drone show will avoid distressing animals with loud noises and will be more inclusive for veterans with PTSD, individuals with sensory sensitivities and neurodiverse community members who may find traditional fireworks overwhelming.
A drone show typically consists of multiple drones equipped with LED lights that fly in formation to create shapes, patterns, or animations in the sky.
A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that fireworks on the Fourth of July cause dangerous spikes in air pollution, particularly in communities that are already vulnerable. The study noted that pollution levels were disproportionately elevated in areas with higher concentrations of minority populations, children, elderly residents and individuals with asthma.
Yamugama said the city has seen multiple fire-related incidents tied to fireworks, particularly around the Fourth of July. These have included vegetation fires, fires near residential areas and damage to public spaces.
“Each year, our fire crews respond to preventable emergencies caused by fireworks,” she said. “These incidents put lives and property at risk and stretch our emergency response resources.”
Sean Hogan, a research associate leading drone-based research at the University of California, Berkeley, said drone shows are more environmentally friendly than fireworks. While fireworks release pollutants and particulates into the air, drones produce minimal emissions in comparison, primarily from the electricity used to charge lithium-based batteries and from the manufacturing process, he said.
Hogan acknowledged that drones carry some environmental risk, mainly from crashes, which in rare cases could cause fires or localized damage. However, he said such incidents are uncommon and most drone crashes do not result in serious harm.
“From an environmental perspective, it seems to me that it would be logical and preferable,” Hogan said, when asked whether more cities should consider switching to drone shows.
Yamugama said the city’s 2024 fireworks show cost $187,000 but this year’s drone show contract is $87,500, less than half the cost. The drones will be operated by Skyrunner Drone Light Shows LLC.
Other cities have already made the switch.
Last year, Sunnyvale replaced its fireworks display with a drone show, citing safety and environmental concerns, according to city officials.
On April 23, 2018, the Redwood City Council approved a resolution to increase fines for illegal fireworks use. Under the current administrative citation structure, a first violation — whether or not a written notice is provided — carries a fine of $500. A second violation within a 12-month period results in a $750 fine, while a third and any subsequent violations within the same 12-month period are subject to a $1,000 fine.
In addition to city fines, individuals who violate California’s fireworks laws can also face state penalties. According to the California Health and Safety Code, penalties can range from $500 to $50,000 in fines and may include imprisonment in county jail.
“The bottom line: Fireworks aren’t worth the risk — especially when there are so many fun and safe ways to celebrate,” Yamugama said.
Extremely disappointing. Drone shows are boring.
Lame……
Drone show was only 12 minutes long. Many images were advertisements of the city. Based on show cost of $87,000. Cost to the city was $120 dollars per minute of the extremely short, very boring show.