SF police in riot gear crack down on 4th of July illegal fireworks shows: 'It was crazy'

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The Bay Area celebrated America's 250th birthday in a big way on July 4. However, police and firefighters say, unfortunately, many of the parties involved illegal fireworks -- resulting in fires and injuries.

Fourth of July was especially loud and explosive in San Francisco's Mission District.

Block after block hosted impromptu illegal firework shows. Many residents say it felt like a war zone.

Lots of firework debris now litter Harrison Street where Travis Hayes lives.

"Oh man, I couldn't even sleep. It was crazy. It was so loud, the windows were vibrating," Hayes said.

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San Francisco police officers wearing riot gear closed streets after 10 p.m., dispersing hundreds of people. Some people in the crowd were seen taunting and jeering at officers.

Firefighters say they responded to more than 500 calls on July 4, including multiple spot fires and people injured by fireworks.

"Unfortunately, we did have two medical emergency response responses for two individuals suffering from life altering -- but non-life-threatening -- injuries as a result of firework explosions," said SFFD Captain Jonathan Baxter.

Mayor Daniel Lurie was briefed on the explosive celebrations.

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"I just spoke with our police chief. It was a pretty standard night when it came to that. It's something we will debrief in the days ahead, but I am so proud of police keeping people safe overall," Lurie said.

SFPD did not say whether any arrests were made the Mission District.

In the East Bay, illegal fireworks lit up the night sky, being seen and heard from Oakland to Antioch.

First responders say responding to firework incidents is part of the job, but still frustrating.

"I would say that our frustrations are shared with the community members. Firefighters are community members. We also have to respond," Baxter said.