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.
Chapter 7.26 of the Fullerton Municipal Code, titled 'Fireworks Prohibited,' bans possession, sale, storage, and discharge of all fireworks except as authorized. Section 7.26.010 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. 2016-11 (adopted February 2, 2016) together set the operative rules: sales are allowed July 1 through July 3 from noon to 10:00 p.m. and July 4 from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and discharge is allowed only on July 4 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. The buyer must be at least 16. Use is barred at parks and public schools and in any Very High or High Fire Hazard Severity Zone designated under FMC 13.19 (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.
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.
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