All Fireworks Are Illegal in El Dorado County

July 1, 2026

Diamond Springs, Calif. — As Independence Day approaches, the El Dorado County Fire Protection District reminds residents and visitors that all fireworks are illegal in El Dorado County. This includes fireworks labeled “safe and sane,” as well as the use, storage, possession, transportation, sale, or discharge of fireworks.

Fireworks are prohibited throughout El Dorado County and within the City of Placerville. Placerville Municipal Code section 3-6-1 prohibits the sale or discharge of fireworks, including firecrackers, sparklers, roman candles, and similar explosive articles, except for authorized public displays. El Dorado County has also reminded the public that all fireworks are restricted under El Dorado County Ordinance Code section 8.08.050.

“Fireworks may seem like a holiday tradition, but in El Dorado County they create a serious risk to lives, homes, pets, neighborhoods, and wildland areas,” said Division Chief - Fire Marshal Jacob Poganski. “Even a small firework can ignite dry vegetation and quickly become a dangerous fire. The safest choice is to leave fireworks to permitted professional displays.”

Each year, fireworks cause serious injuries and fires across the country. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks were involved in an estimated 13,000 injuries in 2025, including approximately 1,300 emergency room-treated injuries involving sparklers. CPSC also reported 15 fireworks-related deaths in 2025.

Sparklers are often viewed as harmless, but they can burn at approximately 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause severe burns and ignite clothing or dry vegetation. Children should never handle fireworks, including sparklers.

The District encourages everyone to celebrate safely and legally by attending a permitted public fireworks display or choosing non-firework alternatives.

Residents are also asked to use 9-1-1 only for emergencies or potentially life-threatening situations. This helps ensure firefighters, law enforcement, and emergency medical personnel remain available for critical incidents.

To report dangerous or illegal firework activity, contact:

El Dorado County Sheriff Dispatch: (530) 621-6600
Placerville Police Dispatch, within the City of Placerville: (530) 642-5298

For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

The El Dorado County Fire Protection District thanks the community for helping prevent fires and keeping El Dorado County safe this holiday.

Fireworks Press Release 01 Jul 2026.pdf