Don't Get Burned!

Steer Clear of Illegal Fireworks

Dangerous, illegal fireworks are a growing and serious threat to your community.

Even though illegal fireworks—like firecrackers, bottle rockets and aerial shells...as well as federally banned explosives... like M-80's—are prohibited everywhere in California, they are responsible for almost all of the fireworks-caused fires and injuries each year.

No one will think it's funny when you burn your neighbor's house down...blow off a finger...or find yourself arrested.

To report the sale and use of illegal fireworks or explosives, call your local fire department.

Why Should I Care?

NEW LAW = BIGGER FINES

• Every year dangerous and illegal items such as cherry bombs, M-80's and firecrackers cause numerous injuries to both adults and children. Illegal bottle rockets and aerial shells cause hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage.
• >As of January 1, 2008, criminal penalties for possession of illegal fireworks are determined, in part, based upon the total gross weight, including packaging, of the unaltered, dangerous fireworks the individual has in his/her possession. The new enhanced penalties are as follows:
  1. Less than 25 lbs. is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 or more than $1,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment;
  2. Not less than 25 lbs. but no more than 100 lbs. is a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than $1,000 or more than $5,000, or imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment;
  3. Not less than 100 lbs. but no more than 5,000 lbs. may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony and is punishable by a fine of not less than $5,000 or more than $10,000, or by imprisonment in the state prison or county jail for not more than one year, or by both such fine and imprisonment; and
  4. More than 5,000 lbs. may be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or a felony and is punishable by a fine of not less than $10,000 or more than $50,000, or by imprisonment in the state prison or county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment.
• Federal, state and local authorities are monitoring internet-based suppliers of fireworks and any unauthorized shipment of fireworks into California will result in state and/or federal prosecutions of both the supplier and the recipient.
• Large firecracker-like items referred to as, M-80's, M-100's, Silver Salutes, Brown Bombers, 1⁄4 sticks, 1⁄2 sticks, full sticks, etc. are considered explosives and not legal anywhere in the United States. Possession or use of such items may result in felony prosecution.
• Many communities have local ordinances that impose administrative fines for possession of less than 25 lbs. of illegal fireworks that are equal to and, in some instances, greater than the fines that can be levied under state law.
• Parents may be held responsible for any damages or injuries caused by their children's use of illegal fireworks.
• Any person who sells, gives or delivers any dangerous fireworks to any person under 18 years of age is guilty of a misdemeanor.
• When an explosive or any type of firework (illegal or state-approved) is: (1) modified, (2) placed in a pipe or container, (3) used for destruction of property, or (4) used to terrify or injure individuals, you could be charged with possession and use of a destructive device, and if convicted, you could face mandatory imprisonment in the county jail or state prison.

What Should You Look Out For?

CHERRY BOMBS 
7/8" in Diameter 
Color: Red

ROMAN CANDLES 
3/4" to 7/8" in Diameter, 16" to 18" Long 
Color: Varied

BOTTLE ROCKETS 
1/4" in Diameter, 1-1/2" Long, Stick: 12" Long 
Color: Varied

AERIAL SHELLS and MORTARS 
Shell Sizes: Typically 1-1/2" to 2" in diameter or larger.  
Color: Often Red or Tan. 
Construction: Paper or Plastic

HELICOPTERS 
1-1/2" to 2" in diameter 
Color: Varied 
Construction: Paper or Plastic

M-100’s 
3/4" in Diameter 2" Long 
Color: Red or Tan

SILVER SALUTES 
Approx. 3/4 to 1-1/4" in Diameter 
Color: Silver

FIRECRACKERS 
1/4" in Diameter 
1-1/2" Long 
Color: Varied, Often Red, Red & White or Blue & White

M-80’s 
5/8" in Diameter 
1-1/2" Long 
Color: Usually Red, Yellow or Tan

These sizes and colors are the most common, but you may come across illegal fireworks that are different in size and color.