Some of the 450 pounds of illegal fireworks that were to planned to be used in a show on Friday, July 4, 2025 that was stopped before it began by Sacramento police. Two individuals in possession of the fireworks were arrested, police said.
Sacramento Police Department
The Sacramento County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved changes to the county’s fireworks ordinance, introducing a more stringent approach that would apply escalating fines for each illegal firework used.
Those caught using illegal fireworks faced escalating fines of $1,000 for a first violation, $2,500 for a second violation and $5,000 for each additional violation. A $10,000 fine was imposed for violations that occurred within the American River Parkway, as well as any park or school property.
The amended ordinance would apply fines for each illegal firework used, as well as for each instance of unauthorized use of “safe and sane” fireworks outside the designated time period, according to a county news release.
In the county, “safe and sane” fireworks are only permitted from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., from June 28 through July 4. Using these legal fireworks outside of these dates and times is prohibited, and it’s now subject to enhanced penalties under the amended ordinance.
The amended ordinance will return to the Board of Supervisors at its April 7 meeting to decide on the final approval before the changes to the fines could go into effect May 7.
Related Stories from Sacramento Bee
The Sacramento Bee
Rosalio Ahumada writes breaking news stories related to crime and public safety for The Sacramento Bee. He speaks Spanish fluently and has worked as a news reporter in the Central Valley since 2004.