The City of Merced ALLOWS State Fire Marshal-approved 'safe and sane' fireworks, sold by nonprofit groups as fundraisers from noon June 28 through noon July 6. All other fireworks - anything that flies, explodes, or moves along the ground - are illegal year-round. The Merced Fire Department warns violators face fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 plus criminal prosecution.
Unlike many California cities that ban all consumer fireworks, the City of Merced permits 'safe and sane' fireworks that carry the California State Fire Marshal seal of approval. The City's Fire Department states these may only be used from noon June 28 through noon July 6, and the legal sale window matches that period. Many local nonprofit and community groups (such as school bands and churches) operate seasonal fireworks booths supplied by companies like TNT or Phantom as fundraisers; each booth must obtain a permit and pass a fire department inspection. 'Safe and sane fireworks' are defined by reference to California Health & Safety Code Sections 12529 and 12562 and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations, Subchapter 6 - they include fountains, ground spinners, and snaps, but never anything that leaves the ground or explodes. The Merced Fire Department states that non-safe-and-sane fireworks - cherry bombs, bottle rockets, mortars, aerial shells, M-80s, firecrackers, and skyrockets - are illegal year-round, 24/7. These are 'dangerous fireworks' independently prohibited statewide under California Health & Safety Code Section 12500 et seq. The Merced Fire Department, the City's own fire agency, enforces fireworks rules within city limits.
According to the Merced Fire Department, anyone caught possessing, using, or selling dangerous or illegal fireworks is subject to fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,000 as well as criminal prosecution. The City notes that using prohibited devices such as skyrockets or barrel bombs could cost up to $2,000. Possession of 'dangerous' fireworks without a permit is separately unlawful under California Health & Safety Code Section 12677 and can be charged as a misdemeanor. Even 'safe and sane' fireworks used outside the legal noon-June-28-to-noon-July-6 window are a violation.
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