Sacramento County is cracking down on the sale and use of illegal fireworks, and we need your help! With the 2022 implementation of a “social host" ordinance, the County can levy fines, starting at $1,000, against property owners that either use or allow the use of illegal fireworks on their property.
And when reporting, we ask for one crucial piece of information: an address.
Residents in the unincorporated County who witness use or sales of illegal fireworks are encouraged to send the address of where that took place to ReportFireworks@saccounty.gov.
“When we receive reports that indicate the activity took place 'on my block' or 'about a mile from here,' there, unfortunately, isn't enough information to proceed," said Barry Chamberlain, Chief of the Code Enforcement Division. “If residents can be more specific and give us an address, we can notify the property owner that the alleged illegal use of fireworks was witnessed and educate them about fines they may incur. The goal is to ensure a safe and fun holiday for everyone."
“Host," as it relates to this ordinance, means a person who knowingly permits or allows fireworks to be lit, exploded or sold on private property owned or controlled by the person.
Sacramento County's Code Enforcement Division has sent about 300 letters this year to addresses that have previously been reported, warning the property owner that sale/use of illegal fireworks could result in the following fines:
- $1,000 for the first violation
- $2,500 for the second violation within one year of the first violation
- $5,000 for each additional violation within one year of the first violation
- $10,000 for each violation that occurs within the American River Parkway
Reporting sales and use of illegal fireworks varies by jurisdiction:
- Unincorporated: 916-874-5115 or reportfireworks@saccounty.gov
- Sacramento: 916-808-FIRE or the Sacramento Fire Department App
- Folsom: fireworks@folsom.ca.us or seeclickfix.com/folsom
- Elk Grove: 916-714-5115 or fireworks@elkgrovepd.org
- Rancho Cordova: 916-362-5115
- Citrus Heights: 916-727-5500
- Galt: 209-366-7000
Aren't sure how to report? Call 3-1-1 to be connected to the right place. Together, we can ensure that Independence Day celebrations are fun, safe and do not cause undue injury or fire in our communities.