February 20, 2024
City Council
DATE: February 20, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM:
Councilmember Soheila Bana
Subject:
Drone Light Shows as an alternative to Independence
Day Fireworks
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The fiscal impact has not been assessed. Should this item be approved, staff will be asked to return to City Council with a cost analysis and plan of action.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
The City Council has approved outreach efforts to reduce the amount of illegal fireworks during the Independence Day celebrations.
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
This item recommends replacing the utilization of
traditional fireworks displays on the Fourth of July, as it significantly impacts the environment and directly
contributes to noise pollution.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
DISCUSS and PROVIDE DIRECTION to staff regarding
alternate technology such as drone lighting technology in lieu of fireworks to celebrate Independence Day to
improve the environmental impacts, cost implications,
and safety – Councilmember Bana (510-620-6473).
DISCUSSION:
Drone light shows are an eco-friendly form of entertainment where no environmental debris is left behind. Drones provide a more green and sustainable option for celebratory aerial entertainment. Drone technology may present the opportunity to AGENDA
REPORT
February 20, 2024
utilize solar powered generators to power drone equipment where needed. Utilizing drones for this type of celebratory event presents a less intrusive option for people and pets, as it does not increase or further contribute to noise pollution.
Surrounding Bay Area cities like Brentwood and Redwood City , have switched to drones for Independence Day Celebrations, possibly due to the ability to provide reusable green option that achieves a similar visual effect that fireworks create. Drones can fly for hundreds of shows before needing any maintenance.
Drones can achieve a similar visual appeal while also reducing the risks associated with fireworks. The usage of drone light shows have increased throughout the globe but specifically in the United States in the West Coast region, as it has been significantly impacted by wildfires and smoke pollution. As climate change progresses, wildfires have also increased in frequency and intensity.
According to the National Fire Protection Association, debris from colorful firework explosions causes thousands of fires every year.
Each July 4th, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using consumer fireworks. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks - devastating burns, other injuries, fires, and even death.
Fireworks fire & injury facts
Fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. These fires caused five deaths, 46 civilian injuries, and $105 million in direct property damage. In 2018, U.S. hospital emergency rooms treated an estimated 9,100 people for fireworks related injuries; half of those injuries were to the extremities and 34 percent were to the eye or other parts of the head. Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for more than one-third (36 percent) of the estimated 2018 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2018 Fireworks Annual Report by Yongling Tu and Jason Ng.
It is important to note that drone operations of this capacity may have FAA restrictions.
Events may require an FAA exemption to the rule limiting drone operations to a single aircraft. Additional waivers may be required when flying in congested airspace, such as near airports.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None