Orange County Burn Bans Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know

In unincorporated Orange County, all fireworks are illegal — no exceptions. This includes consumer-grade "safe and sane" fireworks (those bearing the State Fire Marshal seal), sparklers, firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles, and any other pyrotechnic device. The Orange County Fire Authority enforces this ban year-round, with heightened enforcement around the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve.

Only 11 of Orange County's 34 incorporated cities allow state-approved safe-and-sane fireworks during a limited window around Independence Day. If you live in an unincorporated area and want to enjoy legal fireworks, you must travel to one of those permitted cities and follow their specific rules. Using fireworks of any type in an unincorporated area is a criminal offense.

Penalties are severe. A fireworks violation carries fines of up to $1,000 and up to one year in county jail. If the use of illegal fireworks results in injury to a firefighter, law enforcement officer, or other first responder, the charge can be elevated to a felony carrying up to nine years in state prison. The county aggressively pursues these cases, especially when fireworks cause brush fires during dry season.

Beyond fireworks, the OCFA imposes blanket outdoor fire bans during Red Flag Warning conditions. When the National Weather Service issues a Red Flag Warning for the area — typically due to high winds, low humidity, and elevated fire danger — all outdoor fires are prohibited, including campfires, fire pits, barbecue grills with open flames, and any other combustion in an open-air setting. These bans are announced through OCFA public alerts and local media.