Fireworks: Compton vs El Monte
How do fireworks rules compare between Compton, CA and El Monte, CA?
Compton and El Monte have similar restriction levels.
Compton, CA
Los Angeles County
Compton generally permits 'Safe and Sane' fireworks, but the City Council may suspend permits for sale in any given year by resolution. Only fireworks with the State Fire Marshal's seal are legal when permitted.
View full Compton 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 | Compton | El Monte |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | CMC Fire Prevention Chapter | - |
| Safe & Sane | Allowed unless City Council suspends | - |
| Sale Window | June 28 noon – July 6 noon | - |
| State Law | CA H&S Code §12500 et seq. | - |
| Fire Dept | (310) 605-5670 | - |
| 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.
Compton FAQ
Are fireworks legal in Compton?
Safe and Sane fireworks are generally permitted, but the City Council may suspend permits in any year. Check with the Fire Department at (310) 605-5670 for current year status.
When can fireworks be sold in Compton?
When permitted, licensed retailers may sell Safe and Sane fireworks from noon on June 28 through noon on July 6.
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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