Los Angeles County, CA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- General rule
- All fireworks prohibited
- Exception
- Safe-and-sane (Division 1.4G) where allowed by law
- Sky lanterns/floating luminaries
- Prohibited without fire code official permit
- Professional displays
- Must comply with NFPA 1123/1126 and Cal. Fire Code
- Maximum fine
- Up to $1,000 per violation per day
- Seizure authority
- Fire code official may confiscate illegal fireworks
Summary
The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling, and use of fireworks are prohibited in unincorporated LA County, with narrow exceptions for safe-and-sane fireworks where specifically allowed by state law. Sky lanterns and floating luminaries are also prohibited.
§ 5601.1.3 Fireworks. The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Exceptions:
4. The possession, storage, sale, handling and use of specific types of Division 1.4G fireworks, including safe and sane, where allowed by applicable laws, ordinances and regulations, provided that such fireworks and facilities comply with the 2006 edition of NFPA 1124, CPSC 16 CFR Parts 1500 and 1507, and DOTn 49 CFR Parts 100—185, as applicable for consumer fireworks and Health and Safety Code Division 11.
§ 308.1.6.3 Sky lanterns/floating luminaries. The use or release of a floating luminary is prohibited. Exception: When a permit is issued by the fire code official for use or release of a floating luminary for ceremonial, educational, or research purposes and where safeguards approved by the fire code official are used to prevent unintended ignition of combustibles. Floating luminary use or release shall be allowed only at a specific location and during prescribed weather conditions.
Full Breakdown
Fireworks of all types are prohibited, except that Division 1.4G (consumer/safe-and-sane) fireworks may be possessed, stored, sold, handled, and used where permitted by applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations, and only if the fireworks comply with NFPA 1124, CPSC regulations, and DOT regulations. Professionally produced fireworks displays must comply with California Code of Regulations Title 19, Division 1, Chapter 6 and must be conducted in accordance with NFPA 1123 and/or NFPA 1126. In wildfire risk areas, a permit is required even for otherwise-allowed fireworks. Sky lanterns and floating luminaries are prohibited without a special fire code official permit for ceremonial, educational, or research use.
Violations & Fines
Illegal fireworks are a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $1,000 and/or up to six months imprisonment. The fire code official is authorized to seize and remove fireworks offered for sale, stored, possessed, or used in violation of the code, at the owner's expense. Illegal fireworks can also trigger civil liability for fire suppression costs if they cause a fire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are sparklers or snap-pops legal in unincorporated LA County?
Can I release a sky lantern at a memorial or celebration?
What happens if I set off illegal fireworks?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Los Angeles County
How Los Angeles County compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·California rules heatmap·Compare Los Angeles County to another location·View the California fire regulations overview
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