Fullerton, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Legal type
- 'Safe and sane' fireworks bearing State Fire Marshal seal only
- Discharge window
- July 4, 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., no other day
- Sales window
- July 1-3 noon-10 p.m., July 4 10 a.m.-9 p.m.
- Minimum age
- 16 to buy or discharge
- Banned locations
- Public schools, parks, and Very High / High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (Coyote Hills)
- Fine (1st/2nd/3rd)
- $3,000 / $5,000 / $7,000 (2025 urgency ordinance)
Summary
Only California-State-Fire-Marshal-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks are legal in Fullerton, and only on July 4 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. All other fireworks, including skyrockets, firecrackers, and aerial shells, are illegal under both city and California state law.
It is unlawful for any person to possess dangerous fireworks without holding a valid permit.
Full Breakdown
26 of the Fullerton Municipal Code, titled 'Fireworks Prohibited,' bans possession, sale, storage, and discharge of all fireworks except as authorized. 010 makes it unlawful to possess, sell, or discharge fireworks except those bearing the State Fire Marshal seal as 'safe and sane' under California Health & Safety Code § 12529. The structure of the chapter, the city's Measure X (Ordinance No. 3183, adopted by voters November 6, 2012), and City Council Resolution No. m. The buyer must be at least 16. 19 (West and East Coyote Hills areas, updated May 6, 2025).
'Dangerous fireworks' as defined in California Health & Safety Code § 12505, firecrackers, skyrockets, roman candles, chasers, and sparklers over 10 inches, remain illegal at all times under both city and state law. In July 2025 the City Council adopted an urgency ordinance imposing administrative fines of $3,000 / $5,000 / $7,000 for first, second, and third illegal-fireworks violations, with parental liability for minors and property-owner liability for fireworks discharged on their premises.
Violations & Fines
Illegal fireworks carry administrative fines of $3,000 (first offense), $5,000 (second), and $7,000 (third or more) under Fullerton's 2025 urgency ordinance. Possession of dangerous fireworks is also a misdemeanor under California Health & Safety Code § 12677, and sale or transfer of dangerous fireworks without a permit is unlawful under § 12676. Parents may be held liable for violations by minors, and property owners can be cited for allowing fireworks on their premises. Report illegal fireworks to the Fullerton Police non-emergency line (714) 738-3165 or ReportFireworks@fullertonpd.org, not 9-1-1.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sparklers legal in Fullerton?
Can I shoot fireworks on New Year's Eve?
Are aerial fireworks like mortars or skyrockets ever legal?
Where in Fullerton can I never use fireworks even on July 4?
Sources & Official References
- [1]FMC Chapter 7.26 — Fireworks Prohibited
- [2]FMC § 7.26.010 — Fireworks prohibited except as authorized
- [3]California Health & Safety Code § 12505 (dangerous fireworks)
- [4]California Health & Safety Code § 12529 (safe and sane fireworks)
- [5]California Health & Safety Code § 12676 (sale without permit)
- [6]California Health & Safety Code § 12677 (possession without permit)
- [7]Cal Fire — Office of the State Fire Marshal, Fireworks program
Other rules in Fullerton
How Fullerton compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Fullerton to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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