Merced County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Unlike many California jurisdictions that ban all consumer fireworks, unincorporated Merced County allows 'safe and sane' fireworks bearing the California State Fire Marshal seal, as classified in the State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code Section 12500 et seq. and Title 19 of the California Code of Regulations). The rules are set out in Merced County Code Chapter 9.26 (Regulation, Sale and Limited Use of Fireworks). Per Section 9.26.080, safe and sane fireworks may be discharged only from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on the days when they may legally be sold. Retail sales run from noon on June 28 and may not continue after 10:00 p.m. on July 4 (Section 9.26.070). All retail sales must occur from a permitted temporary fireworks stand on commercially or industrially zoned property; stands must meet NFPA 1124 standards, keep set-back distances from buildings and fuel stations, and carry the required liability insurance. 'Dangerous fireworks'-rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, aerial shells, sparklers with metal or wooden cores, and any altered safe-and-sane device-may not be possessed, sold, or discharged anywhere in the county (Section 9.26.020). The State Fire Marshal warns that fireworks are also prohibited in the State Responsibility Area regardless of local rules.