The City Council heard an extensive public debate and staff briefing on possible regulation of fireworks sales and use in San Bernardino.

Staff summarized state definitions distinguishing dangerous (illegal) fireworks from those the state permits and said the city currently permits a three-and-a-half-day sales window (July 1–4). The presentation included enforcement and fiscal data: staff said local revenues from licensing and fines have declined in recent years while police costs related to fireworks incidents persist.

Staff presented the option of a one-year moratorium on sales to evaluate whether a pause would allow the city to collect better data on illegal use and enforcement outcomes. They also outlined alternative tools such as higher penalties, property-owner liability provisions and using drone footage to identify repeat offenders.

Speakers were divided. John Helen, who identified himself as president of T and T Fire Works, asked the council to avoid a moratorium, citing lost revenue for small business and historical sales declines since 2020. Nonprofit speakers and small-church representatives said fireworks fundraisers support food banks and community services and warned that enforcement losses could reduce essential local services.

Others, including animal shelter volunteers and public-safety supporters, argued that illegal fireworks cause public-safety incidents, increased emergency calls and harm animals. Council discussion focused on tradeoffs between potential revenue losses (staff estimated around $100,000 in some years) and the unquantified enforcement costs; several councilmembers supported receiving the staff report and directing staff to return with ordinance options and additional data for consideration in February.