Lancaster, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 8.44.030 states plainly: "It is unlawful for any person to manufacture, give away, sell, offer for sale, solicit the sale of, possess, purchase, use, ignite, explode, fire, or otherwise discharge any fireworks within the city or to aid or abet any of the above with respect to dangerous fireworks." The ban covers "dangerous fireworks" and "safe and sane fireworks" alike as classified by the State Fire Marshal under Health and Safety Code Sections 12561 and 12562, plus any homemade or improvised pyrotechnic device. It does not reach devices exempt from state fireworks law, such as certain novelty poppers and model rocket engines under Health and Safety Code Section 12565.

The only lawful uses are listed in Section 8.44.040: a supervised public fireworks display permitted under Section 8.44.050, fireworks used for television, film or theater production under a city permit, railroad signal flares, and blank cartridges for theatrical, athletic or military ceremonial use. A public display permit must be applied for in writing at least 45 days in advance, requires city-approved liability and property damage insurance naming the city as coinsured, and is nontransferable. The Los Angeles County Fire Department and Sheriff's Department are separately authorized under Section 8.44.060 to seize any fireworks offered, sold, stored or possessed in violation of the chapter.