The Fourth of July is nearly here, and with it will likely come a lot of people lighting off fireworks who really have no business whatsoever lighting off the explosives. Fireworks frequently cause injuries to the users, with an estimated 13,000 people injured in 2025.
They also present a serious fire hazard, starting thousands of fires around the country every year. While many of these are isolated smaller fires, they can turn into something quite a bit more devastating. Sacramento Metro Fire in California demonstrated just how quickly these burns can get out of hand, setting off some small fireworks in tall, dry grass to start a controlled burn. Local California news channel KCRA 3 shared the PSA.
California law outright bans the sale, transport, and use of any fireworks without the State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal. Anything that flies, darts, or explodes is both dangerous and illegal. Sacramento County, Citrus Heights, and Rancho Cordova prohibit most fireworks as well, with limited exceptions for the “Safe and Sane” varieties. Unincorporated Placer County bans all fireworks entirely.
In unincorporated Sacramento County, “Safe and Sane” fireworks may only be sold or possessed between noon on June 28th and 9pm on July 4th. Use is permitted from 9am to 10pm in unincorporated Sacramento County and Rancho Cordova, and from 9am to 9pm in Citrus Heights. Sales require a valid business license and must occur at temporary stands only.
Violators of these laws can face up to $50,000 and one year in jail, and those whose illegal fireworks lead to property damage or injury could face felony arson charges carrying two to nine years in state prisons. Parent are liable for damages caused by their children, too, so keep an eye on your kids.