Mendocino County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Mendocino County publicly confirms that 'all fireworks - including safe and sane fireworks - are illegal' in the county, covering possessing, transporting, using, storing, selling, giving away, and discharging fireworks, plus sparklers, skyrockets, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, and firecrackers. Under California Health and Safety Code Section 12541, safe-and-sane fireworks may only be sold or used where a local ordinance specifically authorizes them, and Mendocino County has not adopted such authorization - so even state-approved fountains and sparklers remain illegal. The only exception is a licensed public display operated under permit; the county directs residents to attend sanctioned shows (in 2025 these were held in Point Arena, Ukiah, and Fort Bragg). CAL FIRE and local law enforcement operate a 'zero-tolerance policy regarding the use and sales of illegal fireworks.' The ban reflects severe wildfire exposure - the 2017 Redwood Complex and 2018 Mendocino Complex (the largest California wildfire at that time) both burned in this region. Enforcement intensifies around July 4 and New Year's Eve.