All fireworks — including 'safe and sane' consumer fireworks — are illegal in unincorporated San Diego County. The County Board of Supervisors has banned the sale, possession, and use of all fireworks in unincorporated areas due to wildfire risk.
San Diego County Code prohibits all fireworks in unincorporated areas. This includes 'safe and sane' fireworks that may be legal in some California cities. The ban covers sparklers, fountains, Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, and all other pyrotechnics. Only professionally licensed fireworks displays with County permits are allowed. The ban is enforced year-round, with heightened enforcement around July 4th and New Year's Eve. The Sheriff's Department and County Fire Authority conduct enforcement operations. California Health and Safety Code Section 12500 et seq. provides the state framework, and the County has adopted more restrictive local rules.
Possession or use of fireworks is a misdemeanor. Fines range from $500 to $50,000. If fireworks cause a fire, the responsible person may face criminal charges, imprisonment, and civil liability for firefighting costs and property damage.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in San Diego County.
See how other cities in San Diego County handle fireworks.
See how Elfin Forest's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
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