Fireworks Safety and Legality in San Diego
California state laws allow a few personal fireworks deemed “safe and sane,” typically including sparklers and small fireworks that do not shoot projectiles into the air or explode. California has outlawed various types of dangerous fireworks, including:
- Sky rockets and bottle rockets
- Mortars
- Roman candles
- Firecrackers such as penny sticks, cherry bombs, M80s, and M100s
- Display-grade fireworks for personal use
California has a very dry climate, and most of the state is vulnerable to wildfires. In recent years, wildfires have caused catastrophic damage to residences and businesses across California, and the state’s strict fireworks laws aim to prevent wildfires from fireworks. In the areas of where fireworks purchases are legal, the state restricts the dates consumers may purchase fireworks to June 28th until July 6th.
Some areas of California also restrict the use of fireworks to specific locations and times of the day. For example, the city of Santa Maria restricts consumer fireworks use to the Fourth of July from the hours of 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. It’s important for California residents to keep in mind that the fireworks laws can vary from county to county and at the local level. The fireworks a family enjoys in one part of the state may be completely illegal in another town. Many Californians enjoy fireworks displays during the summer holidays, but it’s vital for San Diego residents to know the laws concerning fireworks within the city limits and throughout San Diego County.
Fireworks in San Diego
Unlike other areas of California, San Diego has completely banned consumer fireworks, even those the state considers “safe and sane.” The logic behind this ban rests on the extreme danger of fires breaking out in the area and advice from the National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA), which states that no consumer fireworks are safe to use. Even sparklers and poppers are illegal in San Diego County and within the city limits. Anyone who plans to visit San Diego or intends to move to the area should keep this in mind in case he or she planned on using any consumer fireworks.
A 2008 report from the NFPA indicated that fireworks caused about 22,500 fires that year, including 500 vehicle fires and 1,400 structural fires, resulting in about $42 million in property damage. That same year, roughly 7,000 people entered U.S. emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries, and the most affected age groups included children between the ages of 5 to 9 and 15 to 19.
Punishments for Fireworks Violations
While many people enjoy fireworks, it’s vital for San Diego residents to acknowledge the fireworks ban in the area and refrain from purchasing or using any kind of consumer fireworks. Violators of California fireworks laws can receive fines of up to $50,000 and may even face jail time. It’s also vital to consider the impact fireworks can have on the surrounding area, including peoples’ homes and places of business. Property owners face fines of up to $1,000 for illegal fireworks use on their properties, and violators who use illegal fireworks face fines of $1,000 or more, as well. Improper use of legal fireworks where permitted can lead to fines of $500 or more. Additionally, residents can refer to the Attestation law to report fireworks violations nearby.
If you use illegal fireworks and cause injuries and/or property damage, you will face criminal prosecution from the state as well as civil actions from anyone who suffered injuries or other damages from your fireworks. Injuries related to fireworks can also cause severe burns and damage victims’ eyes, potentially resulting in permanent disability. Any damage to your property caused by illegal fireworks use will likely void any insurance coverage you may have, as well. State officials and San Diego law enforcement recommend San Diego citizens attend professional fireworks displays in the area instead of risking damage and legal penalties for using consumer fireworks. If you are injured in a firework accident, give our burn injury attorneys a call.