What you need to know: Californians are urged to practice common sense and safety when using fireworks to celebrate this Fourth of July. People who resort to using illegal fireworks will be held accountable.

SACRAMENTO - With Fourth of July celebrations set to go off with a bang across the state this week, Governor Gavin Newsom and state fire officials are reminding all Californians that the state has no tolerance for illegal fireworks. Over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks have already been seized in 2025.

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. Violators face potential fines up to $50,000 as well as a year in jail.

“We all must do our part to keep Fourth of July fun and safe. I ask all Californians to use common sense and practice safety when lighting fireworks to celebrate. 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.” - Governor Gavin Newsom

Over the past several months, CAL FIRE – Office of the State Fire Marshal’s specialized Arson and Bomb Investigators have been aiding local and federal illegal fireworks enforcement efforts. Last year, officials seized 288,000 pounds of illegal fireworks. The 10 year annual average is about 240,000 pounds seized per year.

Since 2024, fireworks have caused over $35 million in property damage across California, sparking 1,230 fires. Illegal fireworks include:

• Skyrockets
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Aerial shells
• Firecrackers
• Sparklers
• Other fireworks that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner

“Already this year our Arson and Bomb Investigators, along with our partners, have successfully seized over 600,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from all over California,” said State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant. “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.”

For a fun and safe Fourth of July, know your local fireworks laws. Some California communities ban all fireworks, while others allow certain “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

To learn more about fireworks safety and to view a full list of jurisdictions that allow the sale of Safe and Sane fireworks, go to ReadyforWildfire.org.