It's always a good idea to know the risks of fireworks, only use legal fireworks and stay safe when using them. Image by Barbara A Lane from Pixabay

SACRAMENTO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - With Independence Day coming up, it's always a good idea to know the risks of fireworks, only use legal fireworks and stay safe when using them. If you see or suspect illegal firework usage, reporting it is encouraged. When it comes to fireworks, we want to keep it safe and keep it legal.

The use or sale of illegal fireworks will result in fines​. In 2022, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors adopted a social host ordinance that levies fines, starting at $1,000, against property owners who either use or allow the use of illegal fireworks on their property, in addition to fines for use in places such as the American River Parkway, schools and parks. 

“Host" means a person who knowingly permits or allows fireworks to be lit, exploded or sold on private property owned or controlled by the person.

If the illegal fireworks are being set off from your property, you are responsible for the fines. Penalties for violations are $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 and $10,000 for each violation that occurs at schools, parks and within the American River Parkway.

Calls for service throughout the county increase dramatically on July 4 and emergency response resources are stretched extremely thin.

During the Fourth of July holiday weekend, use 9-1-1 for emergencies only, such as an active fire, injury or immediate threat to persons or property. Each jurisdiction has provided an alternative method to report illegal fireworks sales and usage. 

The unsafe use of fireworks can cause severe burns, amputations, blinding and even death. Damaging fires might occur when children use fireworks unsupervised by adults. Parents are responsible for any property damage or injuries caused by all fireworks.

All legal fireworks in California are called Safe and Sane Fireworks and must bear the State Fire Marshal's seal. Safe and Sane Fireworks can only be sold from noon June 28 through 9 p.m. July 4. Safe and Sane Fireworks can only be used between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from June 28 to July 4. Any firework that goes up in the air or explodes is illegal and dangerous.

To maintain safety, always have a non-combustible bucket of water to dispose of fireworks and leave fireworks in the water overnight before disposing. Always have an available hose connected to water in case of fire and do not use fireworks near dry grass or other flammable materials. Do not use fireworks under a canopy, covered balcony, covered patio or under a tree or bushes.

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in unincorporated Sacramento County to 916-874-5115 or [email protected].

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in the City of Sacramento to 916-808-FIRE (3473) or the Sacramento Fire Department app.

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in Rancho Cordova to 916-362-5115 or the Rancho Cordova Connect App.

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in Citrus Heights to 916-727-5500 or seeclickfix.com.

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in Elk Grove to 916-714-5115 or [email protected].

Report illegal fireworks sale and usage in Galt to 209-366-7000.

Aren’t sure who or how to report? Call 3-1-1 to be connected to the right place.

Together, we can ensure that Independence Day celebrations are fun, safe and do not cause undue injury or fire in our communities.