07/03/2026
Shelter Cove Fire Department 2026 Fourth of July Safety Message
As the Fourth of July approaches, the Shelter Cove Fire Department is reminding everyone that while "Safe and Sane" fireworks are legal in Humboldt County, Shelter Cove has a strict zero-tolerance policy for fireworks anywhere outside of two designated areas:
1) The marked field next to the Clubhouse (Family-Friendly Safe and Sane Zone)
2) Shelter Cove Marina Beach, over the water
Fireworks are not permitted on roads, driveways, parking lots, trails, bluffs, or any other beaches. Firefighters and law enforcement officers will confiscate illegal fireworks, issue citations, and may arrest individuals whose actions place our community at risk.
Thanks to the cooperation of our residents and visitors, 2025 was one of the safest, most family-friendly Fourth of July celebrations Shelter Cove has seen in years. We appreciate everyone who followed the rules and helped make the holiday enjoyable for all.
This year, however, we expect one of the busiest Fourth of July weekends in recent memory. With America's 250th anniversary celebration, a favorable low tide, and thousands of visitors expected in Southern Humboldt, our emergency resources will be stretched. We need everyone's help to keep the holiday safe.
To prepare for the increased demand, the Shelter Cove Fire Department has significantly increased staffing throughout the Fourth of July weekend. In addition to our on-duty personnel and volunteers, we have hired firefighters from two neighboring mutual aid departments to provide overnight coverage on July 4. This enhanced staffing allows us to have six fully staffed fire engines strategically positioned and ready to respond to any emergency. We have also deployed members of the Shelter Cove Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) as community spotters at key locations throughout Shelter Cove to quickly identify and report any fires, medical emergencies, or other incidents requiring an emergency response. Whether it's a wildfire, medical emergency, vehicle collision, or structure fire, these additional resources ensure we can provide rapid response while maintaining coverage throughout our community during one of the busiest weekends of the year.
Our concern is based on real incidents. Fires caused by illegal fireworks occurred on the bluffs above the beach in previous years, and in 2013, two homes above Little Black Sands Beach were scorched by fireworks. In nearby Crescent City, a fireworks explosion during a beach celebration resulted in a mass casualty incident that critically injured a young child and nearly overwhelmed emergency responders. We cannot allow something similar to happen in Shelter Cove.
Nationally, fireworks continue to cause serious injuries every year. During the 2025 holiday season, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that fireworks were responsible for approximately 11 deaths and more than 14,000 emergency room injuries. Hands, fingers, eyes, and faces remain the most commonly injured body parts, with many incidents involving children and the use of alcohol.
To help prevent injuries and fires:
- Never allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.
- Only use fireworks in the designated legal areas.
- Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby.
- Light one firework at a time and move away quickly.
- Never relight or pick up malfunctioning fireworks.
- Never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Always clean up spent fireworks and dispose of them safely.
If you're visiting Shelter Cove this holiday, please respect our community. Be patient with emergency responders and local businesses, drive carefully on our narrow roads, be courteous to your neighbors, and pack out your trash.
Together, we can make the 2026 Fourth of July another safe, fun, and memorable celebration for everyone.
Have a safe and Happy Fourth of July from the
Shelter Cove Fire Department!
