Each year serious injuries, deaths and millions of dollars in property loss occur from fires sparked by fireworks. Legal consumer fireworks that comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission regulations can be relatively safe, but all fireworks are hazardous and can cause injury if proper safety measures are not followed. Large grass crops and dry vegetation increase the threat for devastating fires throughout all of California, including those areas served by the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District in Sacramento and Placer County.

California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of dangerous fireworks, and it is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal. Inspect fireworks closely for this seal. Anything that goes up in the air, darts across the ground or explodes is dangerous & illegal.

Check your local ordinances before buying and using fireworks. Sacramento County, the City of Citrus Heights, and the City of Rancho Cordova all have a general prohibition on fireworks with limited exceptions for “Safe and Sane” fireworks, while unincorporated areas of Placer County ban all fireworks. Be informed on the requirements in your specific locality to avoid penalties.

In the unincorporated area of Sacramento County, it is unlawful to possess or sell, “Safe and Sane” fireworks outside of the time period beginning at 12:00 noon on June 28 and ending at 09:00 p.m. on July 4th of the same year. During this time period, “Safe and Sane” fireworks may only be used, displayed or discharged between the hours of 09:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Similar restrictions apply in Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova.

It is also unlawful for any person to sell “Safe and Sane” fireworks without a valid business license authorizing such sales. Retail sales are only allowed from temporary fireworks stands. Legal fireworks are not sold on the internet or from other buildings and structures, and they’re not delivered in the mail to California residents.

Any person who discharges dangerous fireworks that ignite a fire that results in the loss of property to another person or that causes great bodily injury could face felony criminal charges up to and including arson, punishable by imprisonment in state prison from two to nine years. Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks. View the California Fireworks Program for more information. If convicted, a violator of California fireworks laws could be fined up to $50,000, as well as be sent to jail for up to one year.

In addition, Sacramento County Code contains Hosts Liability provisions which the Board of Supervisors approved on April 09, 2024 providing additional protections for all schools and parks. Penalties for violations of Article 7 are as follows:

• $1,000 for the first violation 
• $2,500 for the second violation within one year of the first violation
• $5,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation
• $10,000 for each violation that occurs within the American River Parkway, schools, and parks
• Remember, all fireworks are dangerous! Consider leaving lighting to the professionals or finding safer celebration alternatives that don’t involve open flames.