SACRAMENTO COUNTY, Calif. — California and Sacramento County have banned many types of fireworks due to wildfire risk and other dangers. If you see illegal fireworks in use, here's how you can report them.
While 911 lines should only be reserved for immediate emergencies like fires or injuries, non-emergency numbers can direct officials to investigate illegal firework use. In Sacramento County, there are multiple agencies who can respond to illegal firework calls — just be prepared for longer wait times due to the holiday.
- Unincorporated County: 916-874-5115 and reportfireworks@saccounty.gov
- City of Sacramento: 916-808-FIRE or Sacramento Fire Department App
- Folsom: 916-355-7231, fireworks@folsom.ca.us or HERE
- Elk Grove: 916-714-5115
- Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115 or the Rancho Cordova Connect App
- Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500 or HERE
- Galt: 209-366-7000
Not sure who to call for your area? Dial 311 to report illegal fireworks.
Sacramento Metro Fire Department officials strongly encourage anyone just complaining about noise not to call their emergency or nonemergency lines unless you have a specific address for them to respond to since they need to catch someone in the act of using fireworks.
Fireworks bearing the official State Fire Marshal “Safe and Sane” seal are legal in Sacramento County, but beware of counterfeits. They're the fireworks that typically don't lift off the ground.
In unincorporated Sacramento County, Citrus Heights and Rancho Cordova, it is illegal to have or sell, safe and sane fireworks after 9 p.m. July 4, according to officials. Fireworks are only allowed to be fired until 10 p.m.
Due to the high temperatures and increased fire danger, many fire officials urge residents to use good judgement when lighting fireworks. Here are some safety tips to keep in mind while using legal fireworks:
- Always have a responsible adult present when using fireworks
- Fireworks that explode, go up in the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner are dangerous and illegal
- Read and follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks before use
- Stay alert! Don’t use alcohol or other drugs when lighting fireworks
- Fireworks should be used on flat level ground. Do not place fireworks on ladders or make-shift elevated platforms
- Keep a bucket of water and a hose close by when using fireworks
- Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
- Keep a safe distance from the firework once its been ignited. Do not attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks
- Completely submerge expended fireworks in a non-combustible container (such as a metal bucket) for 24-hours before discarding them
- Keep the non-combustible container a safe distance away from structures, fences, overhangs, and canopies while fireworks soak
Sacramento County Code, approved April 9, provided more protections for all schools and parks. Penalties for violations of this code are as follows:
- $1,000 for the first violation
- $2,500 for the second violation within one year of the first violation
- $5,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation
- $10,000 for each violation that occurs within the American River Parkway, schools and parks
Fire officials strongly encourage people to leave fireworks to the professionals and attend a local fireworks show instead of firing them yourself. Find local fireworks shows and celebrations HERE.
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