Butte County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Chapter
- Butte County Code Ch. 38
- Safe & Sane fireworks
- Banned in unincorporated areas
- Max fine
- $1,000
- Max jail
- 6 months
- Wildfire start
- Felony per PC Section 452
Summary
Butte County Code Chapter 38 prohibits the possession, sale, use, or discharge of any fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the county, including state-classified 'safe and sane' fireworks. Only the cities of Oroville, Gridley, and Biggs permit limited 'safe and sane' fireworks sales within their city limits, and even those fireworks may not be carried out of those city boundaries.
Any possession of fireworks, even those designated as Safe and Sane, within the unincorporated portions of Butte County is illegal and strictly prohibited. Only the cities of Oroville, Gridley, and Biggs allow for the sales of Safe and Sane fireworks within their city limits. Any lighting or even possession of any fireworks outside those city limits is illegal and subject to fines upwards of $1,000 and six months in county jail.
Full Breakdown
The Butte County District Attorney and Sheriff jointly issued a public notice (June 27, 2024) confirming that 'any possession of fireworks, even those designated as Safe and Sane, within the unincorporated portions of Butte County is illegal and strictly prohibited.' Discharge or possession in unincorporated areas is enforced under Butte County Code Chapter 38 together with California Health & Safety Code Sections 12676 (unlawful sale/transfer of dangerous fireworks) and 12677 (unlawful possession of dangerous fireworks without a state permit). After the 2018 Camp Fire and other major wildfires, the Butte County DA has stated that any fire started by fireworks in unincorporated areas will be prosecuted as a felony arson offense under Penal Code Section 452 (recklessly causing a fire).
Violations & Fines
Fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in county jail per the Butte County Sheriff's office notice. State-classified 'dangerous fireworks' possession is a misdemeanor under H&S Code Section 12677 punishable by fines up to $1,000 and one year in county jail. Fires caused by illegal fireworks may be prosecuted as felony reckless arson under Penal Code Section 452.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are 'Safe and Sane' fireworks legal anywhere in Butte County?
Can I bring fireworks home from a city where they are sold?
What if a firework I light starts a wildfire?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Butte County
How Butte County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Butte County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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