Sacramento-area city is cracking down on illegal fireworks. How to avoid fines

Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado, The Sacramento Bee on Jun 19, 2025

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SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Sacramento-area residents can turn in illegal fireworks — and avoid hefty fines — at two upcoming local events.

Saturday’s fireworks amnesty events will be held in Elk Grove and Galt. They will be hosted by the city of Elk Grove and Cosumnes Community Service District Fire Department.

People from all over the area can safely surrender any illegal or legal fireworks to the fire department.

“Illegal fireworks aren’t just loud, but they’re dangerous,” a firefighter with the department said in a video posted on X. “Every year they cause fires, injuries and put whole neighborhoods at risk.”

Here’s what to know:

When and where can I drop off fireworks?

The fireworks amnesty events will both run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 21.

Attendees will be able to dispose of fireworks at Station 71, 8760 Elk Grove Blvd. in Elk Grove, and Station 45, 229 Fifth St. in Galt.

Can I get in trouble for surrendering illegal fireworks?

No, you can’t.

When it comes to turning in fireworks, there is a “no questions asked” policy.

“Whether they’re legal or not, bring them in for safe disposal,” Elk Grove police wrote in a Wednesday, June 18, post on X. “No fines, no trouble.”

Which fireworks are illegal in California?

According to California’s Office of the State Fire Marshal, California has zero tolerance for the sale and use of illegal fireworks. Illegal fireworks include the following:

•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.

What are penalties for lighting illegal firecrackers?

If caught with illegal fireworks, people can face fines of $1,500 for the possession, discharge or sale of illegal fireworks, according to the California City Fire Department website.

When else can I turn in fireworks? Where?

According to the city of Rancho Cordova, people can turn in legal and illegal fireworks at the Rancho Cordova Police Department, 2897 Kilgore Road in Rancho Cordova, during regular business hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

If you live outside of the area and would like to surrender their fireworks, call your local police or fire department to see if you can receive amnesty.

What do you want to know about life in Sacramento? Ask our service journalism team your top-of-mind questions in the module below or email servicejournalists@sacbee.com.

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