San Francisco is slated for a historic Fourth of July celebration on Wednesday, with fireworks set to be lit from the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge for only the third time ever. This celebration is set to mark America’s 250th anniversary. Public officials are warning people headed to watch the fireworks that especially large crowds and especially big traffic delays are expected this year. The Golden Gate Bridge will be completely closed from 9 to 10 p.m., with lane closures starting at 8 p.m., CalTrans said. San Francisco Fire Department Rescue Captain Samuel Menchaca said firefighters are urging the public not to attempt to watch the fireworks displays from cliffsides. He explained that many cliffs in San Francisco are steeper and more unstable than they appear. “We want you to stay on the trails, don’t go off the trails, and if someone falls or goes down the cliff, to not go and get them and to call 911,” Menchaca said. Instead, he said the best places to watch the fireworks from San Francisco will be Crissy Field, Marina Green, Pier 39, and Fisherman’s Wharf. Menchaca noted there will be plenty of space for people to watch between these locations, but that people will need to plan ahead and get there early to avoid traffic. “Transit and parking over there is going to be difficult; we encourage you to get dropped off or use public transit to get over there safely,” he said. Pedicab drivers in the area said they are hoping the stream of visitors will bring more profits. Driver Brian Giesler said that typically on Fourth of July, crowds tend to get very big starting at around 6 p.m. “It’s horrible in the financial district, after the fireworks, every street is completely blocked,” he noted. ...read more read less