Saturday night across San Jose, police launched drones from five fire stations and began roving the skies, catching illegal fireworks at the source. “We always say, right, don’t use illegal fireworks, they’re illegal, you can get fined, and it’s just not worth it. It’s not worth putting your life at risk, or somebody else’s life at risk, or even your own life at risk,” San Jose Fire Department Fire Captain Sergio Arellano said. There were more drones at Lake Cunningham Park, but these were for entertainment A red, white and blue drone show captivated thousands of spectators to celebrate America’s 250th. This was the second year in a row San Jose Opted for drones over fireworks. The move came after illegal fireworks sparked several brush fires two years ago nearby. “I love fireworks, who doesn’t love fireworks? But this is also a deterrent for that illegal behavior that happened. That’s the goal: if we’re able to do drones, it deters illegal behavior from folks who aren’t professionally trained to light up the sky,” Councilmember Domingo Candelas Said. But it can’t stop everyone. That’s why San Jose Fire brought in 20 extra personnel Saturday night, dispatched through radio command to respond as fast as possible. “It’s been going on for a couple days, actually, but yes, we’ve been hearing them through the evening, and it’s just going to get I think more intense as the night goes on,” Arrellano said. Candelas says last year the city saw a dramatic drop in fireworks-related emergency calls,  and he believes trading the fireworks show for a drone show is the reason why. ...read more read less