Kern County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

California Health & Safety Code §§12500-12728 governs all fireworks statewide. 'Dangerous fireworks' under HSC §12505 (aerials, rockets, firecrackers, ground salutes, sparklers over 10 inches) are illegal everywhere in California without a state license. 'Safe and sane' fireworks (HSC §12529) carry the State Fire Marshal seal and are state-approved only when allowed by local ordinance. Kern County Code §17.32.094 (added to the Fire Code under Chapter 17.32) authorizes safe-and-sane fireworks in most unincorporated communities including Arvin, Buttonwillow, Lamont, Lost Hills, Maricopa, McFarland, Mojave, Rosamond, Shafter, and Taft, but expressly prohibits all fireworks in unincorporated mountain communities. Sales window runs July 1-4 (noon July 1, 6am-11pm July 2-3, 6am-12:01am July 4). Use is permitted noon-12:01am July 1; 9am-12:01am July 2-3; 9am-12:30am July 4; and December 31 from noon to 12:30am. Cities including Bakersfield, Delano, Wasco, and Ridgecrest set their own dates. Per HSC §12700, possession of dangerous fireworks is a misdemeanor with state fines starting at $1,000 (under 25 lbs) and reaching $100,000 (over 5,000 lbs). Kern County Fire Department issues administrative citations of $1,500 (first), $2,000 (second), and $2,500 (third) for safe-and-sane violations under the 'You Light It, We Write It' program. Report illegal fireworks via kerncountyfire.org.