CAL FIRE and Local Partners Unite to Promote Fireworks Safety and Maintain Zero Tolerance for Illegal Fireworks

RELEASE DATE: June 26, 2026

CAL FIRE and Local Partners Unite to Promote Fireworks Safety and Maintain Zero Tolerance for Illegal Fireworks

Sacramento – CAL FIRE reminds all Californians that there is zero tolerance for illegal fireworks, which includes the sale, purchase, possession, transportation, or use of any device that does not carry the State Fire Marshal–approved “Safe and Sane” seal. This year, CAL FIRE partnered with local Sacramento‑area fire departments, law‑enforcement agencies, and Shriners Children’s to host a regional fireworks‑safety press conference, highlighting the dangers posed by illegal fireworks, the risks associated with purchasing them online or from unlicensed sellers, and the importance of community vigilance.

Fireworks purchased online, shipped from out of state, or bought from unlicensed sellers or stands are illegal and often extremely dangerous. Only fireworks sold through permitted “Safe and Sane” fireworks booths in approved communities within California are legal to purchase.

Possessing or using illegal fireworks or using any type fireworks in communities where they are prohibited can result in fines of up to $50,000 and up to one year in jail.

Illegal fireworks include:

• Metal Core Sparklers
• Skyrockets
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Aerial shells
• Firecrackers
• Sparklers
• Any devices that explode, launch into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrolled manner

“Each year we continue to see how illegal fireworks—especially those bought online or shipped into California—pose a major risk to our communities,” said Chief Daniel Berlant, California State Fire Marshal. “By partnering with our local Sacramento‑area agencies and our burn‑prevention partners, we are sending a unified message: purchasing fireworks online or outside of licensed ‘Safe and Sane’ booths is illegal, dangerous, and contributes to injuries and destructive wildfires.”

Soman Sen, MD, Assistant Chief of Burns at Shriners Children’s Northern California, emphasized the devastating impact a fireworks-related burn injury can cause. “Every year, we see firsthand the life changing burn injuries caused by fireworks,” Dr. Sen said. “We always urge families to keep children away from any type of fireworks and ensure that only responsible adults are using legal fireworks — even then, exercising caution to prevent harm.”

For a safe and enjoyable Fourth of July, Californians are urged to know and follow their local fireworks laws. Many communities prohibit all fireworks, while others only allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks sold through permitted booths.

The safest way to celebrate is to leave fireworks to the professionals. Attend a licensed public fireworks display conducted by trained pyrotechnic operators licensed by CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal.

To watch this year’s Northern California Fireworks Safety Press Conference, visit https://vimeo.com/event/5946119.

To learn more about fireworks safety, visit readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/fireworks-safety/ or https://www.shrinerschildrens.org/en/news-and-media/news/2021/06/fourth-of-july-burn-safety.

View a list of retail booth cities and counties that allow “Safe and Sane” fireworks at: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/prevent-wildfire/fireworks-safety

News Staff