When do fireworks go on sale in California? See maps to find stands in Sacramento

With the Fourth of July just days away, firework stands are beginning to appear across Sacramento.

Whether you’re planning to fire up the grill, lounge poolside or catch a fireworks display, here’s what to know about when and where to buy fireworks legally in California — and how to stay safe while doing it.

When do fireworks go on sale in California?

In 2025, licensed firework stands are allowed to open starting Saturday, June 28, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Nearly 300 communities across the state — including cities in Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties — permit the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks in the days leading up to Independence Day.

Here is a full list of cities and counties where you can find retail booths selling legal fireworks.

What fireworks are banned in California?

California law bans a variety of fireworks considered dangerous or unpredictable, including:

• 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.

Governments around the capital region, including the city of Sacramento, are cracking down on illegal fireworks with substantial fines for possessing them.

Parts of Placer, El Dorado and Yolo counties ban fireworks at home altogether.

Using dangerous fireworks can lead to felony charges, including arson, if they cause injury or property damage., according to Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

Fines can reach $50,000, and jail time can be up to one year. Parents can be held responsible for damage caused by their children.

Host liability fines in Sacramento County start at $1,000 and go up to $10,000 for violations near parks, schools or the American River Parkway.

How to report illegal or dangerous fireworks

The Sacramento Metro Fire District asks residents to avoid calling 911 for fireworks complaints unless there’s a fire, injury or other emergency.

To help first responders, you should only report illegal fireworks if you can provide the exact location.

You can call these non-emergency numbers to report illegal fireworks use, although you should expect longer wait times:

• Unincorporated Sacramento County: 916-874-5115 or reportfireworks@saccounty.gov

• City of Sacramento: 916-808-FIRE or use the Sacramento Fire Department app

• Folsom: 916-355-7231, fireworks@folsom.ca.us or SeeClickFix

• Elk Grove: 916-714-5115

• Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115 or the Rancho Cordova Connect app

• Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500 or SeeClickFix

• Galt: 209-366-7000

Where can I buy fireworks in Sacramento area?

Several fireworks retailers — including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Freedom Fireworks — will have stands operating across Sacramento starting Saturday June 28, through July 4.

TNT has stands across the Sacramento area. You can find a full list of locations online.

Phantom Fireworks will operate multiple stands throughout the Sacramento area.

For a complete list of Phantom Fireworks locations, visit the company website.

Freedom Fireworks will have several stands set up across Sacramento County.

You can check the full list of locations via the company’s website.

This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 11:06 AM.