Each year illegal and misused fireworks cause serious injuries and damaging wildfires. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) is taking a zero tolerance stand against anyone possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks. The penalties for possessing, transporting or using illegal fireworks ranges from a misdemeanor up to felony charges plus the cost incurred for fire suppression.

Illegal fireworksin California are those that explode, leave the ground, or move about uncontrollably. Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, and roman candles. Use of any fireworks which causes an injury or fire may result in a citation or arrest.

Legal fireworks include a “Safe and Sane” logo from the California State Fire Marshal on the packaging but some illegal fireworks, especially those from out of the country, may have a forged logo on them. If you are not sure if your fireworks are legal, you can contact your nearest CAL FIRE facility or local fire station. 

Use Safe and Sane fireworks responsibly, only where permitted, and never around dead or dying vegetation. Never allow children to use fireworks without adult supervision. Parents are liable for injuries or damages caused by their children’s use of fireworks. Check with your local fire department to see if Safe and Sane fireworks are legal to use in your area.

Possessing or using any type of fireworks is illegal in the following areas:

• Tuolumne County - all areas including the City of Sonora
• Calaveras County – In the Ebbetts Pass Fire District
• All federal lands in Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, including the Stanislaus National Forest; and along any State highway rights-of-ways.

Fines for violations start at $240.00 per count, per person. Enforcement actions will range from misdemeanor citations to felony custodial arrests.

California is experiencing record dry conditions, with 2014 projected to become the driest year on record.  On January 17, 2014 Governor Brown signed a proclamation declaring Drought State of Emergency for the State of California.  CAL FIRE’s Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit Chief Josh White encourages “Taking into consideration the extremely dry conditions within our region rather than using your own fireworks, plan on attending one or more of the excellent professionally-produced public firework displays in our area.”

For more firework safety tips visit www.fire.ca.gov click on communications, then fact sheets.