Fireworks Are Illegal in Santa Clara County

By Patch Staff

Planning to celebrate with some razzle dazzle on the Fourth? Rethink that, because it can quickly get expensive—and even come with some jail time, depending on how big the dazzle is.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in Santa Clara County because they cause serious injuries and often start fires, Cal Fire officials said.

Fireworks are illegal in Santa Clara County, and Cal Fire and Sheriff's officials are reminding residents and visitors of the law.

The sale, purchase, transport, storage or use of fireworks in Santa Clara County is unlawful—except for Gilroy where so-called "safe-and-sane" fireworks are allowed, according to authorities.

Even in Gilroy, illegal fireworks are confiscated.

Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion. Those convicted could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year.

M-80s and TNT? The charges soar.

"Any person or persons that cause a wildland fire by using illegal fireworks will be held responsible for all fire suppression costs," Cal Fire officials said. "These costs can run into the millions of dollars."

Anyone caught with illegal fireworks will be subject to fines, citation, or arrest, all illegal fireworks will be confiscated, according to Cal Fire.

For a list of towns allowing state-approved fireworks, please click here. 

And while you can purchase approved in these particular communities, you must use them in those communities as well, and are not allowed to use them in your own town if they are prohibited in the first place.