Highland, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 8.58.020 A makes it unlawful to have in possession, keep, store, use, shoot, discharge, set off, ignite, explode, manufacture, sell, offer to sell, give or transport fireworks, dangerous fireworks or safe and sane fireworks. The ban reaches safe and sane fireworks: § 8.58.010 K defines that term by reference to California Health and Safety Code Section 12529 as fireworks that are neither dangerous nor exempt, and the City of Highland places them under the same prohibition as firecrackers, skyrockets, Roman candles and chasers. The only exceptions in § 8.58.020 A are agricultural and wildlife fireworks and a public display of fireworks under a permit obtained under Health and Safety Code Sections 12640 through 12654 and the city code.

Manufacturing is prohibited in the city except under special use permits required by the fire chief and the police chief (§ 8.58.020 B). Pyrotechnic special effects material needs a permit, applications go to the fire chief and the police chief, and only a State Fire Marshal licensed pyrotechnic operator can receive one (§ 8.58.020 C). Section 8.58.010 G defines the police chief as the police chief of the county of San Bernardino or a designated deputy acting as police chief of the city of Highland.

A public display permit application must be filed not less than 14 days before the scheduled date, with a diagram of the grounds showing the discharge point, buildings, highways, audience lines and nearby overhead obstructions (§ 8.58.030 A). The display runs under the direct supervision of a pyrotechnic operator, and the permittee must furnish a bond or certificate of insurance in an amount the fire chief and police chief deem adequate. Section 8.58.040 leaves railroad and transportation signal use, small blank cartridges for shows and ceremonial or athletic purposes, and military use outside the chapter.

The fire chief, the police chief, their representatives and the city employees named in § 2.56.030 enforce the chapter. They can seize, store and dispose of fireworks and charge the owner a reasonable amount covering transport, storage, handling and disposal, and at seizure they must personally serve an administrative citation on the property owner or representative (§ 8.58.050).