What's at stake:
Fresno officials are urging residents to avoid lighting up personal fireworks this year.
Fresno officials are sounding the alarm about the risks of personal fireworks this Fourth of July. Record heat, critically low humidity, and sky-high fuel loads have created a potentially explosive combination.
“Fireworks may be a lot more dangerous this year,” said Antoinette Serrato at the National Weather Service in Hanford. But despite the risks, officials have stopped short of banning personal fireworks, instead urging caution and encouraging professional shows.
An ongoing heat dome is set to trap pollution and hot air at ground levels on Thursday, with humidity plummeting to just 15 to 19% — a level rarely seen in the last 25 years. Temperatures are expected to hit a scorching 110°F, obliterating the previous Fourth of July record from the last quarter century.
Dry grass is adding fuel to the fire, with levels currently at 120% of normal, according to the National Weather Service. “There’s lots of reason to be cautious,” Serrato added. “That air is really going to sit here while the high pressure system traps it.”
The last time conditions aligned like this was in 2017, when a wet year with abundant grass growth was followed by high heat and low humidity from a prolonged, strong heat dome. That year, firework pollution lingered until the early morning, according to Fresno Bee archives, and air quality levels rose far higher than in recent years. In fact, air pollution was nearly three times as bad as last year.
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District is urging residents to skip personal fireworks and opt for professional displays. “We are asking Valley residents to be mindful and considerate,” said Executive Director Samir Sheikh.
With a perfect storm brewing, officials hope residents will heed the warnings and find safer ways to celebrate this Fourth of July.
Here’s a list a firework shows to see on July 4, a list curated by Fresnoland’s Diego Vargas:
Shows on July 4
Fresno Grizzlies Fireworks Extravaganza – Chukchansi Park, Fresno
The Fresno Grizzlies face the Modesto Nuts and will close off with a fireworks show after the end of the game. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. and ticket prices will vary. Get tickets here.
4th of July Fireworks Show – Fowler
The city of Fowler hosts a fireworks show at the Fowler High School football stadium. Food and craft vendors will be present at the show, with gates opening at 6 p.m. and the fireworks show starting at 9 p.m.
Additionally, this year’s show will include skydivers who will land in the stadium before the fireworks display. A children’s fun zone will be available and will cost $15 for access.
Clovis Freedom Fest – Clovis
The Kiwanis Club of Clovis hosts a Fourth of July celebration in Lamonica Stadium at Clovis High School. General admission is $5 and children 5 and under can attend for free. Tickets can be bought beginning July 4 starting at 9 a.m. at the Clovis branch of Valley First Credit Union, or at Lamonica Stadium on
Gates open at 5 p.m. and the show will start at 9 p.m.
4th of July Spectacular – Sanger
Food trucks, water slides and bounce houses will be featured at Sanger’s 4th of July celebration this year, hosted by the Sanger District Chamber of Commerce and the City of Sanger at Sanger High School’s practice field. General admission is $3, parking passes are $5 and family packs of 4 tickets that include a parking pass are $15. Gates open at 5:30 p.m.
22nd annual Freedom Run – Woodward Park, Fresno
The Sierra Challenge Express Running Club will host their annual Freedom Run at Woodward Park. Starting at 6 a.m., participants can choose from taking on a 4-mile run or a 2-mile run/walk. Children can participate in a 100 meter or a ¼ mile dash.
Registration for the Freedom Run is $59.30 for adults and $22.20 for children. A discount will be given to veterans and participants who register virtually. Register here.
4th of July Fireworks Spectacular – Madera Fairgrounds
The Greater Madera Kiwanis will host a free 4th of July celebration at the Madera Fairgrounds. Food trucks, games and drinks for attendees 21 and over will be available. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the fireworks will come to light at dusk (approximately 9 p.m.)
Though admission is free, lawn chair rentals will be available in limited quantities for $5. Outside lawn chairs are allowed at the event.
Flip Flops and Fireworks BBQ – Bass Lake
A celebration at the lakefront will be hosted by The Marina Bar and Grill. Seating starts at $70.80, with group table packages also available for larger parties. The celebration will boast all you can eat ribs, BBQ chicken and tri-tip along with sides, a free photo booth, a hula dance contest and a festive costume contest for people and pets.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m. More information and reservations can be found here.
4th of July Celebration – Atwater
A complete day of celebration is coming in the city of Atwater. A Run for Independence event will start the day at 7:30 a.m., followed by a parade and festival at 9 a.m. at Ralston Park. A fireworks show and concert will be held at the Castle Commerce Center from 6 – 10 p.m.
Gates for the firework show open at 5 p.m. and will close at 9 p.m. for the fireworks show. Admission is $5 for walk-ins and $15 per car.
Shows on multiple days
Fireworks at Island Waterpark on July 3 and 4 – Fresno
Island Waterpark will be having fireworks displays to end the nights on July 3 and 4. Both celebrations will take place at the park from 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. respectively.
4th of July Festivities – Livingston
The City of Livingston will be hosting 4th of July celebrations on July 5, 6 and 7 at the Max Foster Sports Complex, with a fireworks show on July 5 at 9:30 p.m.
A carnival will be available for attendees. Day passes for unlimited rides cost $35 if bought in advance or $45 is purchased the day of. The carnival will begin on July 4 and discount tickets can be bought at city hall.
Entry for the event is free and parking is $6 for each day.
Shows on July 6
Shaver Lake Fireworks – Shaver Lake
Shaver Lake will host their annual fireworks show on July 6, boasting a boat parade at 6:30 p.m. and ending the day with fireworks at dark.
