Modesto, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Modesto Municipal Code §§ 3-1.215, 3-1.217, 3-1.218, 3-1.219
- Legal fireworks
- 'Safe and Sane' only (State Fire Marshal seal)
- Sales/use window
- Noon June 28 - Noon July 6
- Dangerous-fireworks discharge fine
- $2,000 / $3,000 / $4,000
- Manufacture/sale of illegal fireworks
- $10,000 per violation
- Social host liability
- Yes (owner/occupant cited even if absent)
- Annual permits issued
- 70 maximum
Summary
Only California State Fire Marshal-approved 'Safe and Sane' fireworks may be sold or used in Modesto, and only from noon June 28 through noon July 6 each year. All dangerous (aerial/explosive) fireworks are banned and the city imposes some of the steepest fines in California.
Retail sale or display with the intent to sell fireworks is limited to State of California Fire Marshal approved and labeled 'Safe and Sane' fireworks within the City of Modesto... Fireworks may be sold or offered for sale from 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on June 28, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 29 through July 5, and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on July 6.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 71).
Full Breakdown
Modesto Municipal Code § 3-1.219 (which adopts and supplements CFC § 5608) restricts retail fireworks in the city to State Fire Marshal-approved 'Safe and Sane' devices and sets the lawful sales window: 12:00 noon to 10:00 p.m. on June 28; 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 29 through July 5; and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on July 6. Sales are permitted only from temporary fireworks stands, and only by local nonprofit organizations or pre-existing local for-profit operators that have continuously held permits since 1999 (§ 3-1.218). The city caps total annual sales permits at 70. Section 3-1.215 (incorporating CFC § 5604) makes it unlawful to possess, manufacture, sell, use, or discharge 'dangerous fireworks' (as defined in California Health & Safety Code § 12505) without a state pyrotechnic operator's license and a city permit. Section 3-1.217 categorically prohibits the manufacturing of fireworks within city limits.
Violations & Fines
Section 3-1.303 sets administrative penalties: manufacture or sale of dangerous fireworks - $10,000 per violation. Possession, use, or discharge of dangerous fireworks - $2,000 first violation, $3,000 second within 36 months, $4,000 subsequent within 36 months. All other Chapter 1 violations (including selling 'Safe and Sane' fireworks outside the legal window) - $500 / $1,000 / $1,500 escalating fines. Social host liability applies: the property owner or occupant can be cited even if not present (§ 3-1.303(c)-(d)). Section 3-1.304 also authorizes citizen-initiated third-party citations. The city additionally recovers full response costs (§ 3-1.305).
Frequently Asked Questions
Are any fireworks legal in Modesto?
What is the fine for shooting off illegal fireworks?
Can my landlord be fined for my fireworks?
Can neighbors report me?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Modesto
How Modesto compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Modesto to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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