sunset over golden hills

Safely Celebrating the Fourth of July

View from Mindego HIll at Russian Ridge (Matt McClean)

Midpen rangers will strictly enforce preserve and parking lot closure times on July 4, 2024. There will be no access after sunset to maintain public safety.  

Open space lands belong to everyone – please help us stay safe by remembering that smoking, fires and fireworks are never allowed in Midpen preserves. Though California is not battling a drought, worsening wildfires are still a threat to persons, property, and the preserves.   

“We’ve had a lot of rains this past winter, but that results in taller and thicker grass that turns into fuel for wildfire as the weather gets drier,” Midpen Area Superintendent Chris Barresi said.

Midpen rangers and representatives from other local public safety agencies will be out in force on July 4 as part of a region-wide coordinated Fire Safety Watch. Rangers will be on the lookout for dangerous activities in the hills and other open space areas to ensure public safety.   

The danger of firework ignitions is very real. Personal fireworks, including those labelled “safe and sane”, are illegal in most Santa Clara and San Mateo County cities and unincorporated areas.  

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