Plumas County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Plumas County is forested Sierra/Cascade mountain country surrounded by the Plumas and Lassen National Forests, with a catastrophic wildfire history, so fireworks are tightly restricted. Local fire and community sources confirm that 'Personal/Individual fireworks are illegal in Plumas County,' and that this 'includes Chester and the Lake Almanor Basin.' Unlike some California cities, the unincorporated county has not adopted an ordinance authorizing the sale or use of state-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks, so they are not permitted here. Under California's State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code sections 12500 et seq.), 'dangerous' fireworks — sky rockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers, and any device that explodes, shoots into the air, or moves uncontrollably on the ground — are illegal statewide without a special license issued by the State Fire Marshal. 'Safe and sane' fireworks (fountains, spinners, and similar non-aerial, non-exploding items approved by the State Fire Marshal) may legally be used only in jurisdictions that adopt an ordinance allowing them; because Plumas County does not, possessing or lighting any consumer firework in the unincorporated county is unlawful. On Plumas and Lassen National Forest land, fireworks are always prohibited. Official public fireworks displays in the area are typically run by chambers of commerce under separate permits.