California has allowed the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks for decades, while illegal aerial fireworks and explosives have become a growing concern in many cities. In the public debate, these two categories are often merged together, despite having very different safety profiles. As the conversation continues, statewide and Southern California data make one point clear: State Fire Marshal-Approved Safe and Sane fireworks are not the source of the fires and injuries that worry residents. In many communities, they have become part of the solution.

What Safe and Sane Fireworks Are

Safe and Sane fireworks include small, ground-based items such as fountains, ground spinners, cone fountains, smoke devices, party poppers, and snappers. To be sold legally, each item must be tested and certified by the California State Fire Marshal. These items do not explode, do not detonate, and do not leave the ground.

What Safe and Sane Fireworks Are Not

Equally important is what Safe and Sane fireworks are not. California law prohibits firecrackers, rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, M-80s, and any device that launches into the air or behaves unpredictably. These are illegal statewide, regardless of local rules. This distinction between regulated fireworks and illegal aerial explosives has been a core piece of California’s safety framework for decades.

What Safety Data Shows

The safety record is well established. The Los Angeles County Fire Department tracked fireworks incidents across 60 cities and the unincorporated county over a 13-year period. Throughout that time, the department reported no significant fire losses attributed to Safe and Sane fireworks. More recent results show the same pattern. In 2024, LA County Fire documented 142 fireworks-related fires; only two involved Safe and Sane fireworks, and neither caused property damage. In 2025, the department reported 87 such fires; 74 were caused by illegal fireworks, and only one involved a State-Approved device, again with no associated damage.

Statewide data matches these findings. According to State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant, more than 1,200 fires and over $30 million in damage since 2024 were caused by illegal fireworks — not Safe and Sane fireworks.

Reducing Use of Illegal Fireworks

The experience of the City of Orange in 2025 offers additional insight into how communities can reduce illegal fireworks. In 2025, the City of Orange authorized the sale and use of State Fire Marshal-Approved Safe and Sane fireworks, and the first-year results were striking. Police Chief Dan Jevec reported a 12 percent reduction in fireworks-related calls citywide, a 68 percent decrease in calls on July 4, and a twelvefold increase in illegal fireworks seizures. These outcomes demonstrate how giving residents a clearly defined, legal alternative — combined with strong enforcement — can help redirect behavior away from dangerous illegal fireworks.

Strong State Oversight and Local Control

Cities that allow Safe and Sane fireworks also benefit from several complementary effects. Residents who want to celebrate have a safe, inexpensive way to do so near home, rather than turning to illegal aerial devices. The State Fire Marshal seal on legal products gives families and officers an instant visual cue for what is lawful. Cities gain revenue through sales taxes, permit fees, and administrative fines that help pay for enforcement, drones, safety campaigns, and cleanup. Wholesalers provide brochures, classroom materials, and tools like the “Nail ’Em” smartphone reporting app.

Oversight and control are strong. All State-Approved fireworks undergo rigorous testing. Sales last only from June 28 through July 6. Only certified nonprofit organizations may operate retail stands. Cities decide how many stands to allow and where they can be placed, and fire inspectors monitor operations. For many nonprofit organizations, these stands provide critical annual funding — often $10,000 or more per stand — supporting youth sports, veterans’ services, shelters, and community programs.

Conclusion: A Smarter, Safer Path Forward

As the nation prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday on July 4, 2026, fireworks will be part of many celebrations. The evidence suggests a path that is both safe and community minded. Safe and Sane fireworks are not responsible for the fires or injuries that concern residents. Illegal aerial explosives are. Cities that allow Safe and Sane fireworks — paired with enforcement and education — have seen positive results. When implemented responsibly, these programs provide safe celebration options, strengthen enforcement, and support local nonprofits.

That is a win-win for everyone.