San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Office and the county's crime stoppers program are offering rewards of up to $500 to residents who provide information leading to the arrest of individuals selling illegal fireworks. This initiative is part of efforts to prevent the possession, sale, and use of fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July.
The program aims to deter illegal fireworks due to their potential to start fires, cause injuries, damage property, and distress pets and veterans. The Sheriff's Office stated that fireworks, with the exception of permitted professional displays, are prohibited in all unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County.
In a separate incident in Los Angeles County, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office seized approximately 1,000 pounds of illegal fireworks from a Lancaster home on Thursday after serving a warrant.
Cal Fire is emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy for illegal fireworks across the state. Californians can legally purchase fireworks marked as 'Safe and Sane' from licensed retailers between June 28 and July 6. These permitted items typically include ground and hand-held sparkling devices. Display fireworks require a separate license.
Violators who set off illegal fireworks face penalties including fines of up to $10,000 and potential jail time. State Fire Marshal Daniel Berlant noted that more than a dozen wildfires this year have already been attributed to fireworks, representing preventable incidents that endanger communities and first responders. In 2025, fireworks were responsible for nearly 750 fires in California, burning approximately 600 acres and causing nearly $16 million in damages.