Imperial County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Imperial County prohibits all fireworks in its unincorporated territory under Chapter 8.24 of the County Code of Ordinances. The Imperial County Fire Department confirms that possession of any fireworks, including state-approved "safe and sane" devices, is not allowed anywhere in the unincorporated county. That ban covers the rural townships such as Heber and Niland. By contrast, "safe and sane" fireworks are permitted only in the seven incorporated cities that license them: Brawley, Calexico, Calipatria, El Centro, Holtville, Imperial and Westmorland. Under California's State Fireworks Law (Health and Safety Code Section 12500 and following), "safe and sane" fireworks are those tested and registered by the State Fire Marshal and carry the "State of California, State Fire Marshal Registered Fireworks" seal; they cannot fly, explode or move across the ground. "Dangerous fireworks" (firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles, chasers, bottle rockets) are illegal statewide without a permit, and Health and Safety Code Section 12677 makes it unlawful to possess dangerous fireworks without a valid permit. Because the county allows no consumer fireworks at all, residents of unincorporated areas must travel to a licensed-city stand and use them only within that city. Aerial and exploding fireworks remain illegal everywhere in the county.