General
Q: What types of fireworks are legally sold in California?
A: The only legal fireworks in California are those labeled “Safe and Sane” by the state fire marshal. (Additionally, the packaging must display the California state fire marshal seal.) While some cities allow the sale of Safe & Sane fireworks from temporary stands during the week before the 4th of July, many cities have completely banned their sale and use.
Safe & Sane fireworks are limited both in size and type. They may only contain a certain amount of firework composition and may not fly into the air.
Q: How do so many people obtain illegal fireworks?
A: Some of these are imported directly after being manufactured in other countries. However, since California firework restrictions are more strict than other nearby states, fireworks sold in neighboring states can be illegally imported with minimal effort by driving them across state lines.
Fireworks Myths
Q: Fireworks are loud and rattle my home, we should stop selling them.
A: “Fireworks” which are so loud that you jump are very likely already illegal in California. (If they are larger than firecrackers and only explode, they are likely classified as explosives and are federally illegal.) Banning the sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks will not reduce the occurrences of these explosions.
Q: Fireworks should be banned because they cause countless fires every year.
A: Most of these fires start from illegal fireworks or misuse. Following the safety instructions provided with the fireworks greatly reduces their danger. Even aerial fireworks, which shoot into the air and are illegal in California, can be used much more safely if the appropriate recommendations about distance from homes, property, and flammable landscapes are followed.
About this Site
Q: Do you hate fireworks? What gives?
A: Absolutely not! After the 4th of July, 2020, it became clear through comments online that many people didn’t understand the very big difference between what was sold legally in California versus what was illegal. Many of the complaints about fireworks (and reasons that legal sales should be banned) were really complains about illegal ones, not the ones sold at state approved stands.
Q: Who paid for this site? Was it made by firework manufacturing companies?
A: No, fireworks manufacturers did not make nor pay for this site. For more details about the motivations behind this website, see the About page.