These fireworks are illegal in CA. You could face jail time for setting them off
The Fourth of July is almost here, bringing a festive mix of parades, poolside barbecues and fireworks lighting up California skies.
California has specific rules and regulations about which fireworks you can set off — and when.
Before you break out the sparklers and smokeballs, here’s what you need to know about which fireworks are legal in California, how to report illegal fireworks use and the penalties for breaking the law:
Are fireworks on sale in California in 2025?
In 2025, firework stands opened for business in communities across California on Saturday, June 28, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Residents in nearly 300 California communities, including those in Fresno, Merced, Sacramento, San Luis Obispo and Stanislaus counties, can purchase fireworks to celebrate Independence Day with a bang.
Here is a full list of cities and counties where you can find retail booths selling legal fireworks.
What are safe and sane fireworks?
In California, legal fireworks are known as “safe and sane” fireworks and identified with the State Fire Marshall’s seal, according to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire Department.
According to the city of Suisun City, legal fireworks in California include:
- Fountains
- Sparklers
- Smokeballs
- Pinwheels
- Snake-type fireworks
- Ground-spinning fireworks
In other words, “safe and sane fireworks are “basically anything that doesn’t spin uncontrollably or leave the ground,” the city said on its website.
Which fireworks are illegal in California?
In California, illegal fireworks include:
- Sky rockets
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial shells
- Firecrackers
“Other fireworks that explode, go into the air or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner” are also considered illegal, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Fireworks are illegal in certain areas of California due to the risk of wildfires, which can cause serious injuries and millions of dollars in property damage.
When can I set off fireworks in my city?
Local jurisdictions can impose their own rules as to when fireworks can be deployed.
For example, residents of Modesto can light fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Tuesday, July 1, through Friday, July 4.
In Sacramento County, residents can light fireworks between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. starting on Saturday, June 28, and running through Friday, July 4.
In Fresno, “safe and sane” fireworks are allowed year-round between 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. From June 28 to July 6, residents can light up explosives until midnight.
If you are caught with fireworks in communities where they are prohibited, you can face penalties. It’s best to check your local laws and ordinances before purchasing fireworks.
What are the penalties for lighting illegal fireworks?
Violating California’s fireworks laws can be charged as a misdemeanor, according to Shouse California Law Group.
Penalties can include up to one year in county jail and/or fines of up to $5,000, the Southern California law firm said.
However, possessing large quantities of dangerous fireworks can be prosecuted as a felony in California.
“If convicted, a violator could be fined up to $50,000, be sent to jail for up to one year, or both,” the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said on its website.
How can I report illegal fireworks in my neighborhood?
To report illegal fireworks in California, contact your local police or fire department using their non-emergency line or online reporting system.
Sacramento County residents, including those in unincorporated areas, can report the use of illegal fireworks to local law enforcement online.
In Modesto, residents can use the department’s nonemergency line at 209-552-2470, the GoModesto! app or Crime Stoppers at 209-521-4636.
Merced residents with information about the sale of illegal fireworks can email the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at sherifftips@countyofmerced.com. To report someone actively using illegal fireworks, residents can call the sheriff’s office at 209-385-4725.
To report illegal firework activity within Fresno city limits, visit the city’s website and click the red banner on the homepage titled “Click Here to Report Illegal Fireworks.” You can also use the FresGO app.
To reach the Fresno Police Department’s non-emergency line, dial 559-621-7000. Dial 559-600-3111 to reach the non-emergency dispatch line for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
If there is an emergency — such as a fire or serious injury, call 911.
