Ahead of July Fourth, Cal Fire Monday issued a no-nonsense warning to Californians regarding the private use of pyrotechnics — “there is no tolerance when it comes to illegal fireworks.”
“The sale, transport, or use of fireworks without the `Office of the State Fire Marshal Safe and Sane’ seal is illegal, as is possessing or using any fireworks in communities where they are not allowed,” the state agency said, echoing a statement from Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday as well as earlier caveats from the county and city of Los Angeles.
“Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail,” Cal Fire added
State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant said the agency’s arson and bomb investigators have already seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks “from all over California,” and added, “Our recent enforcement efforts clearly demonstrate our zero tolerance toward the use, transportation, and possession of illegal fireworks.”
“Even `Safe and Sane’ fireworks are banned in many communities and bring large fines for their illegal use,” the state agency said.
According to Cal Fire, illegal fireworks are not limited to just firecrackers — but also include skyrockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells and even sparklers, as well as “other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner.”
The city of Los Angeles issued a statement last week reminding residents that “All fireworks, even the so-called `safe and sane’ variety are illegal in the City of Los Angeles.”
The L.A. County Fire Department, meanwhile, reminds residents that the county fire code states “it is illegal to store, manufacture, sell, use, or handle ALL FORMS of fireworks without a valid permit in unincorporated areas of Los Angeles County.”
“The Los Angeles County Fire Department encourages families to attend a public fireworks show conducted by State-licensed pyrotechnicians,” the county fire agency says on its website.
Cal Fire also urged residents to know local fireworks laws. Some communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “safe and sane” pyrotechnics.
A full list of areas that allow the sale of safe and sane fireworks — as well as safety tips and a synopsis of fireworks laws — can be found at readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/fireworks-safety/.
A listing of professional fireworks shows across L.A. County can be found at fire.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-PUBLIC-FIREWORKS-DIRECTORY_06182025.pdf or by calling 888-654-FIRE (3473).
“We all must do our part to keep Fourth of July fun and safe,” Newsom said Monday in statement issued in conjunction with the Cal Fire warning.
“I ask all Californians to use common sense and practice safety when lighting fireworks to celebrate,” Newsom added. “Our message is clear: illegal fireworks won’t be tolerated, and you will be prosecuted. They run the risk of starting dangerous fires in the peak of our fire season.”
Last week’s city of Los Angeles statement went on to say, “It may be tempting to acquire personal fireworks for your 4th of July celebration, but this year we ask you to `Think About Your Neighbor.’
“Personal fireworks are known to negatively affect children, pets, and combat veterans,” the city statement added. “In addition, the wildfire danger is ever present. We encourage all to seek public fireworks shows, which will be more readily available than they were last year.
“However, those who use, possess, or transport any type of firework may be subject to criminal prosecution — or worse yet, painful and debilitating injury.”
The city said that, last July Fourth, the LAFD responded “to more emergency incidents than the daily average.”
Even professional fireworks shows can pose a danger. Last year in La Puente, a pyrotechnic technician was seriously injured in an explosion at a fireworks show that also injured two other people, city officials said.