Where Are Fireworks Legal In Santa Cruz County?

WATSONVILLE, CA — After two years of record-setting wildfires, Californians are justifiably nervous about the dangers of fireworks. Fire danger is high this July 4th, and that's why even the Safe and Sane Fireworks are illegal in almost all of Santa Cruz County.

In fact, if you want to set off your own Safe and Sane fireworks in Santa Cruz County, the only place you can legally do it is Watsonville. But even here, there are many restrictions.

Since there are hefty fines for misusing or breaking the law regarding which fireworks can be used where, fire officials have identified the 296 cities statewide that allow fireworks. In these areas, only Fire Marshall approved fireworks are allowed. But even if a city allows Safe and Sane Fireworks, all others are still illegal. According to CalFire, "illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner."

(Read full list of California Cities with Safe and Sane laws here):

Some CalFire Fireworks Safety Tips For Cities That Allow Safe And Sane:

• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks
• Local ordinances should be verified before purchasing and/or using fireworks
• Always read directions
• Always have an adult present
• Use fireworks outdoors only
• Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials
• Light one at a time
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy
• Though common sense may apply in most of these cases, CalFire offers the following suggestions to avoid injuring yourself or endangering others.

Injury Prevention Safety Tips:

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse
• Back up several feet immediately after lighting fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person
• Never experiment with fireworks
• Never attempt to relight or “fix” fireworks
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets

Patch staffer Ashley Ludwig contributed to this report.