All fireworks - including Safe and Sane - are strictly illegal in Berkeley. Possession or discharge is a misdemeanor and the Fire Department aggressively enforces during July 4 and New Year periods.
Berkeley Municipal Code Section 9.24.030 and California Health and Safety Code Section 12500 et seq. prohibit the sale, possession, use, and discharge of all fireworks within city limits. Unlike some Alameda County cities, Berkeley has never permitted even State Fire Marshal-approved Safe and Sane fireworks. The combination of dense urban housing in the flats and the Berkeley Hills VHFHSZ makes any fireworks use extraordinarily dangerous - the 1991 Oakland Hills Firestorm that killed 25 people originated in adjacent hills. Violators face misdemeanor charges, fines up to 1,000 dollars, and potential civil liability for any resulting fire. BFD and Berkeley Police run enhanced patrols around July 4 and Lunar New Year. Residents are directed to professional displays such as the Berkeley Marina event. Aerial shells, bottle rockets, firecrackers, and sparklers are all banned. Report illegal fireworks to (510) 981-5900.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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