Seeing fireworks in Fresno? Here’s what’s allowed and how to report illegal use
With the Fourth of July around the corner, you may be noticing bright lights and loud noises in your neighborhood on a nightly basis.
What are Fresno’s rules about fireworks use? Can you report your neighbor for setting fireworks off illegally?
Here’s what to know:
Are fireworks on sale in California in 2025?
In 2025, firework stands opened for business in communities across California on Saturday, June 28, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Residents in nearly 300 California communities — including those in Fresno, San Joaquin and Merced counties — can purchase so-called “safe and sane” fireworks to ring in Independence Day with a bang.
Here is a full list of cities and counties where you can find retail booths selling legal fireworks.
What kinds of fireworks are allowed in Fresno?
According to the city of Fresno, only so-called “safe and sane” fireworks are legal to purchase and use in California.
Legal fireworks in California include fountains, sparklers, smokeballs and pinwheels, according to the city of Suisun City
“Safe and sane fireworks” are “basically anything that doesn’t spin uncontrollably or leave the ground,” the city said on its website.
When can I legally set off fireworks?
In Fresno, “safe and sane” fireworks are generally allowed “365 days a year between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.,” the city said.
Exceptions apply from June 28 through July 6, when fireworks can be discharged from 7 a.m. to midnight, according to the city.
There are also restrictions on selling fireworks.
“It is unlawful for any person to sell ‘safe and sane’ fireworks within the city of Fresno without a permit issued by the fire chief or designee,” the city said.
Which fireworks are illegal in California?
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the following fireworks are considered illegal in the Golden State:
- Sky rockets
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial shells
- Firecrackers
- Other fireworks that explode, go into the air or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner
Fireworks are illegal in parts of California due to the risk of wildfires, which can cause serious injuries and millions of dollars in property damage, The Fresno Bee previously reported.
Fireworks can also pose health risks, according to the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District.
The district issued a public warning on Tuesday calling on residents to limit their use of personal fireworks throughout the holiday week.
Fireworks increase air pollution and release “dangerous levels” of particles that include soot, ash and heavy metals, the district said.
What are penalties for illegal fireworks use?
The city of Fresno passed an ordinance in 2022 that spells out the penalties for the possession, use, storage, sale or display of illegal fireworks.
Anyone caught setting off illegal fireworks can expect a fine of $2,000 for a first violation, the city said on its website.
The fee increases to $3,000 for a second violation within a rolling 12-month period, and $5,000.00 for third or subsequent violations within a rolling 12-month period, according to the city.
“Each fine is accompanied by an administrative fee of $250,” the city said.
If you sell fireworks in Fresno without a permit, you could face a fine of up to four times the standard permit amount — $2,504 — and possible criminal charges, the city said on its website.
How can I report illegal fireworks in Fresno?
To report illegal firework activity within Fresno city limits, visit the city’s website and click the red banner on the homepage titled “Click Here to Report Illegal Fireworks.”
You can also use the FresGO app.
To reach the Fresno Police Department’s non-emergency line, dial 559-621-7000.
Dial 559-600-3111 to reach the non-emergency dispatch line for the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office.
In the case of a fire, injury or life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
Where can I buy fireworks in Fresno area?
According to a list provided by the California Office of the State Fire Marshal, there are a total of 17 fireworks retail booths in Fresno County, including in Clovis, Coalinga, Fowler, Fresno and Kerman.
Several fireworks retailers — including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Freedom Fireworks — will have stands operating across Fresno through Friday, July 4.
Where can I watch fireworks on Fourth of July?
From the Clovis Freedom Fest to a Fresno Grizzlies game, Fresno-area residents will have plenty of opportunities to celebrate Independence Day in style in 2025.
Watch the Fresno Grizzlies take on the Modesto Nuts on Friday, July 4, and Saturday, June 5, before watching what organizers describe as “the most dazzling fireworks display in the Central Valley.”
Fireworks, food, music and children’s activities are in store at the Clovis Freedom Fest on Friday.
Granite Park and Island Waterpark in Fresno will also host Fourth of July fireworks shows.
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