All fireworks, including so-called 'safe and sane' varieties, are completely prohibited in Mission Viejo. The Orange County Fire Authority enforces fireworks violations with significant fines, especially during high-risk fire weather.
Mission Viejo Municipal Code and OCFA regulations prohibit the sale, possession, and use of all fireworks within city limits. This includes both 'dangerous' fireworks (such as bottle rockets, Roman candles, and M-80s) and 'safe and sane' fireworks that are permitted in some other California cities. The prohibition applies year-round and is strictly enforced during the period surrounding Independence Day. OCFA conducts enhanced patrols and enforcement during the June 28 through July 5 period. The city's location in the wildland-urban interface with dry brush-covered hillsides makes fireworks an extreme fire risk. Mission Viejo is within an OCFA-designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone in several hillside areas. Fines for fireworks violations are substantial. The city and OCFA encourage residents to attend the city's official July 4th celebration at Lake Mission Viejo or other authorized community events. Reporting illegal fireworks: call OC Sheriff at (949) 770-6011 or OCFA at (714) 573-6000.
Possession or use of any fireworks violates both MVMC and OCFA fire code. Fines range from $500 to $1,000 for possession and higher for use. If fireworks cause a fire, the responsible party faces cost recovery for firefighting expenses plus criminal charges.
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