In fire-prone California, cities like Napa offer a safer way to celebrate July Fourth

There is perhaps nothing more American than celebrating the Fourth of July with parades, apple pie and, of course, fireworks. Fourth of July fireworks have been a longstanding tradition in communities nationwide.

However, many California cities are reevaluating how they celebrate this symbolic day as they consider how to honor traditions while recognizing the state’s ever-evolving reality.

This weekend, Napa will host its third consecutive drone show to celebrate July Fourth, which this year marks America’s 250th birthday. As concerns with fireworks grow, especially in fire-prone areas, many communities like Napa are exploring or already implementing solutions that provide a safer, greener alternative to celebrating our holiday traditions — without the adverse impacts.

In 2023, the city of Napa launched a robust community conversation centered around three main concerns: fire and safety risks, public health and air quality impacts, and noise disturbance for pets, wildlife and sensitive groups. After reviewing trends from across the country and globally, and careful consideration of safety and environmental factors, the traditional city-organized fireworks program ended.

The city council and city staff had to analyze and weigh the impacts of many different factors before reaching this decision.

The fire risks for the region have increased significantly, and we have lived through numerous large wildfires over the last decade. While fireworks displays are performed by professional vendors, there has been firework debris discovered on private properties near the former launch site.

Hosting community fireworks displays has also not been proven to decrease the use of illegal fireworks. Fireworks caused more than $35 million in property damage across California in 2024, sparking an estimated 1,230 fires, according to the governor’s office. 

The smoke produced by exploding fireworks also impacts air quality. It contains inhalable particles that can trigger asthma and affects people with other respiratory diseases. 

To create bright colors, most fireworks contain toxic metals such as strontium, barium, lead, lithium, copper and sometimes mercury. Limiting even the relatively small impact from a single 20-minute fireworks show demonstrates the importance of both small and large actions to improve our environment. 

Noise caused by fireworks can cause anxiety and stress, especially people suffering from PTSD. Animals are frequently impacted by the unpredictable and loud noises during fireworks shows, creating stressors for domestic pets and wildlife.

Many community members understandably expressed concerns over changing such an important aspect of our traditional celebration. However, the city council ultimately made the change to stop using fireworks, opting for a safer and more environmentally friendly option. 

Napa transitioned to drone lights and now boasts the largest July Fourth drone show in Northern California. Sky Elements produces it. The 15-minute shows incorporate 400 drones, which create a spectacular 3D display. By using music played over local radio and through speakers in designated viewing areas, the shows have created memorable moments and helped distinguish Napa as a destination for Fourth of July celebrations. An estimated 24,000 people gather in downtown Napa for the drone display. 

Still, the decision in 2023 was not an easy one. 

Over the past two years, several nearby communities have been forced to abruptly cancel firework shows because of hotter temperatures, fire danger and difficulties procuring pyrotechnics.

Napa, now more than ever, is convinced that the transition to drone technology was the right choice for the community. While we might be missing the traditional booms of fireworks, the drone show creates a new kind of magic for residents and visitors to enjoy.