Ventura County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

California's State Fireworks Law (Health & Safety Code §12500 et seq.) regulates fireworks statewide and lets local agencies ban even 'safe and sane' fireworks (sparklers, fountains, cones) within their boundaries. The Ventura County Fire Department states that fireworks are not legal in unincorporated areas of Ventura County, and the Department 'strongly discourages the use of any and all fireworks — including the safe and sane types.' Countywide, any firework that explodes or is 'aerial' is illegal to set off and illegal to merely possess; possession of 'dangerous fireworks' is independently a misdemeanor under state law. The only place in the county that permits the sale and possession of 'safe and sane' fireworks (those bearing a State Fire Marshal stamp) is the City of Fillmore, and only during a limited window from late June through midday on July 5. Given the extreme wildfire risk in the county's foothills and Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones — underscored by the 2017 Thomas Fire and 2018 Woolsey Fire — enforcement is aggressive around July 4, and in 2025 drones were deployed to survey areas where complaints were received. Residents who witness illegal fireworks in unincorporated areas are asked to call the Ventura County Sheriff's Communications Center.