Local law enforcement is kicking up its messaging on the illegal use of fireworks and the fines that many cities have put in place to discourage violations.
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Only 12 Orange County cities allow the sale of state fire marshal-inspected fireworks, typically referred to as “safe and sane fireworks.” And they have strict guidelines for the sale and when they may be used.
Those dozen cities allow community and school groups to host fireworks booths — limited to a certain number and typically allocated through a lottery — as a fundraiser. Most cities limit the lighting of fireworks to July 4, but a few allow their discharge for a few days leading up.
Fire officials warn not to tamper with fireworks or let children handle them and cities warn about fines for the use of illegal fireworks. There are also warning about not using fireworks in areas of dry brush and the cities of Anaheim and Orange that do allow their purchase and use, prohibit fireworks in their wildland areas.
And don’t be purchasing fireworks in a city where they are sanctioned and use them in one where they are not, that is considered illegal.
There are also lots of community events with big fireworks displays planned — and even a drone show in one city — so here is a listing if you want to be safe and leave it to the professionals.
Here is information on the 12 cities that do allow safe and sane fireworks, and the rules about their use.
Anaheim: Residents may purchase the approved fireworks from June 28 to July 4 at 16 stands, here is where you can find the nearest stand. Fireworks sales are allowed from noon to 10 p.m. on June 28, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 29-July 3 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. The fireworks may only be used from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Fireworks use is not allowed in the hilly eastern side of Anaheim where wildfires are a risk. The ban runs east of the 55 and east and southeast of the 91 freeway.
Buena Park: There will be safe and sane fireworks sold at booths throughout the city from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1 to July 3 and 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on the Fourth.
Costa Mesa: Fireworks will be on sale from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. from June 30 to July 3 and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 4 to 10 p.m. on July 2-4.
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Fullerton: Stands open in the city from noon to 10 p.m. July 1 to 3 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Garden Grove: Fireworks sales will be open in the city from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 1 through 3 and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Use of safe and sane fireworks is allowed on private property only from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Huntington Beach: Safe and sane firework sales at city-approved booths will be from noon to 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be used in the city only on July 4 – from noon to 10 p.m. No fireworks at the beach or in public places. Find a map of booth locations here.
Los Alamitos: Safe and safe fireworks may be sold at two booths to open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and until 9 p.m. on July 4. The safe and sane fireworks may used in town only from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Orange: For the second year, safe and sane fireworks will be sold at several booths around the city. Firework stands will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on July 1-3 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may only be used on July 4 from noon to 10 p.m. and are prohibited in hilly east Orange because of wildfire concerns.
Santa Ana: The city allows booths hosted by community groups to sell safe and sane fireworks starting at noon on July 1. Hours are noon to 10 p.m. on July 1; 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2 and 3; and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from July 1 to 4 during those hours.
Stanton: Sales of safe and sane fireworks in the city are allowed from noon to 10 p.m. on July 1 and from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 2 to 4. Approved fireworks may only be used on private residential properties and only from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on July 1-4.
Villa Park: Safe and sane fireworks will be sold at city-approved stands starting at 10 a.m. on June 30. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. through July 3 and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be used from noon to 10 p.m. on July 4.
Westminster: Approved fireworks may be sold from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. starting on June 30 to July 3 and from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 4. Fireworks may be discharged from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on July 4 on residential streets.
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