Today, CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire put it plainly: all consumer fireworks are banned across San Diego County - including the ones California labels safe and sane. With the region unusually dry, officials warn that even a small spark can touch off brush, threaten homes and put firefighters in harm’s way. With Fourth of July celebrations around the corner, agencies are urging residents to ditch backyard fireworks and stick to professional shows instead.
The City of San Diego Fire-Rescue Department says, “there’s really only one thing you need to know” - all consumer fireworks are illegal in the city and the rest of the county. San Diego County's news office adds that CAL FIRE enforcement officers and sheriff’s deputies will patrol unincorporated areas, and that possession or use can bring misdemeanor citations or more serious charges if a fire breaks out.
In a June 19 post on its CAL FIRE / San Diego County Fire's Facebook page, the agency urged residents to “leave fireworks to the professionals,” stressing that recent local fires and dry fuels make consumer fireworks especially risky this season.
Why Fireworks Are Banned Here
CAL FIRE suspended residential outdoor burn permits this spring, citing heavy vegetation growth, rising temperatures and low humidity that all increase the odds that a single ignition could turn into a fast-moving wildfire. KPBS reported that the suspension took effect on May 1 and urged homeowners to create defensible space around their homes and other structures.
Enforcement and Penalties
Local officials say penalties for using or possessing illegal fireworks range from fines to criminal charges, depending on what happens. San Diego County's news office notes that fines can start relatively modestly but can climb quickly for selling or transporting fireworks, and that anyone whose fireworks start a wildfire could face arson charges.
How To Celebrate Safely
Residents who still want a light show are being steered to licensed municipal displays. Many cities, including San Marcos, are hosting professional fireworks this summer. The City of San Marcos is reminding residents that sparklers and other “safe and sane” devices are still illegal across the county and advises calling 911 for threats to life or property, or the local non-emergency line for nuisance complaints. San Marcos also posts a list of holiday events and reporting instructions for residents.
