Mayor Edwin M. Lee and San Francisco Fire Chief Joanne Hayes-White today issued the following statement on July 4th fireworks and public safety, strongly urging San Franciscans to keep their neighborhoods safe this year while celebrating Independence Day:

“When fireworks aren’t left to the professionals, a celebration can quickly turn into a tragedy. There is nothing more disheartening than seeing someone suffer a serious injury from a preventable accident. Fireworks may seem harmless, but they can cause more damage and destruction than one might think. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals this year and have a safe and happy July 4th in San Francisco.”

Possession and use of any fireworks, including Safe & Sane, is illegal in San Francisco and is a crime.

Here are some firework facts to remember this July 4th holiday:

• Each year, more than 8,600 fireworks-related injuries, approximately half of them suffered by children, are treated in a hospital emergency room.
• Fireworks cause more than 15,500 fires and $36 million in property loss each year.
• Something as simple as a sparkler can burn at temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees, a temperature hot enough to melt gold.

Report all fireworks to the San Francisco Police Department at 415-553-0123.