Fireworks: Burbank vs El Monte
How do fireworks rules compare between Burbank, CA and El Monte, CA?
El Monte has fewer restrictions than Burbank.
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles County
All fireworks are illegal in Burbank. Burbank Municipal Code 9-1-9-5608.1(a), a local amendment to the adopted California Fire Code, flatly prohibits any person from manufacturing, possessing, selling, or discharging fireworks, with the only exception being a permitted public display. California's State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code section 12500 et seq.) separately bans possession of dangerous fireworks without a permit.
View full Burbank rules →El Monte, CA
Los Angeles County
El Monte is one of about 14 Los Angeles County cities that still allow State Fire Marshal-licensed 'Safe and Sane' fireworks. Sale, possession, and use are regulated under EMMC Chapter 8.16; dangerous fireworks remain illegal under California Health & Safety Code Section 12500 et seq.
View full El Monte rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Burbank | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | BMC 9-1-9-5608.1(a) (fireworks prohibition) | - |
| Scope | Manufacture, possession, sale, AND discharge all banned | - |
| Only exception | Permitted public display per CFC 5608 | - |
| State law | Cal. Health & Safety Code sections 12500, 12677 | - |
| Safe-and-sane allowed | - | Yes - one of ~14 LA County cities |
| Sale window | - | Noon June 28 - noon July 6 (per 19 CCR 999) |
| Discharge window | - | July 1-4, 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. (extended July 4) |
| Stand operators | - | Nonprofit organizations only, city permit required |
| Dangerous fireworks fine | - | $1,000+ administrative (H&SC 12557); up to 1 year jail (H&SC 12677) |
| Minimum purchaser age | - | 16 (H&SC 12689) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Burbank FAQ
Are 'safe and sane' fireworks legal in Burbank?
No. Burbank bans ALL fireworks. BMC 9-1-9-5608.1(a) prohibits manufacturing, possessing, selling, or discharging any fireworks, with no carve-out for state-approved 'safe and sane' items.
Is there any legal way to use fireworks in Burbank?
Only a permitted public fireworks display conducted as set forth in California Fire Code Section 5608 is allowed. Private consumer use is illegal.
What if I bought fireworks legally in another city?
Possession in Burbank is still a violation. The local ordinance prohibits possession itself, regardless of where the fireworks were purchased.
El Monte FAQ
Are fireworks legal in El Monte?
Yes, State Fire Marshal-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks are legal in El Monte under Municipal Code Chapter 8.16. This makes El Monte unusual - most LA County cities (including Los Angeles, Pasadena, Arcadia, and all unincorporated areas) ban all consumer fireworks.
Where can I buy fireworks in El Monte?
Only at licensed nonprofit stands operating under an EMMC Chapter 8.16 permit, between noon June 28 and noon July 6 each year, consistent with the California State Fire Marshal retail-sales window in 19 CCR Section 999.
What is the fine for illegal fireworks in El Monte?
Possession of 'dangerous fireworks' (bottle rockets, M-80s, mortars, anything aerial or exploding) is punishable by a minimum $1,000 administrative fine under California Health & Safety Code Section 12557, plus possible misdemeanor prosecution under H&SC 12677 (fine up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in jail).
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