NOTHING SCREAMS SUMMER quite as loudly as an exploding bottle rocket.

As Independence Day quickly approaches and fireworks vendors begin to emerge, Stockton officials are asking the public to be mindful of local regulations, both in the city and across San Joaquin County, regarding illegal pyrotechnics.

Officials from Stockton and neighboring cities like Lodi will be collaborating with local police and fire departments to enforce fireworks ordinances this summer.

Here’s what to know before stocking up on cherry bombs. 

How to tell if your fireworks are legal

In Stockton, only fireworks that carry the State Fire Marshal’s “safe and sane” seal are legal to sell and use in the city limits.

The sale of “safe and sane” fireworks is limited to 30 nonprofit organizations in Stockton that were selected through a lottery process last month. Operators must take safety classes next week ahead of opening their sales venues.

Sales are also restricted to a certain span. This year, sales may begin at noon June 28. From June 29 through July 4, sale hours are 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The list of the organizations who won the lottery process is posted online. 

City officials did not immediately have information on any injuries or property damage connected to fireworks in 2024. However, Stockton’s neighborhood services officials and the Stockton Fire Department issued 30 citations for noncompliance with the city’s fireworks ordinance last year. 

The city’s fire and police departments host safety demonstrations every year at local community centers, Stockton police Officer David Scott said. 

“Community members can attend to learn, and those events are usually posted on the website and social media a few weeks before,” he said. 

What if you have illegal fireworks?

In 2022, Stockton passed an ordinance that aimed to address the “significant anxiety” that fireworks can cause the community, specifically veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, as well as pets. 

Anyone who violates the city’s fireworks law is subject to a $1,000 fine for the first offense. A second offense within one year of the previous violation is a $2,000 fine. A $3,000 fine will be assessed for each additional violation. 

Anyone who lights illegal or dangerous fireworks is also responsible for any costs related to authorities having to respond to the incident. 

Are fireworks legal elsewhere?  

Even “safe and sane” fireworks are illegal in the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County. 

On July 1, 2024, the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office reported the conclusion of a six-week operation to remove illegal fireworks from the area. 

During the operation, the office seized:

  • 7,448 pounds of dangerous fireworks
  • 129 pounds of explosive precursor powders
  • 145 destructive devices

County authorities initiated 31 investigations, made 13 arrests and recommended 29 charges to the District Attorney’s office following the operation. 

Lodi officials announced last week they will be working with San Joaquin County to enforce the city’s fireworks code as well. 

Lodi prohibits the possession of illegal fireworks as well as discharging them on public property or the discharge of any fireworks within 10 feet of a residential dwelling. It is illegal for minors to sell, purchase, possess or discharge any fireworks, and for any person who has care or custody of a minor to permit that child to discharge fireworks.

In Lodi, any fireworks set off before 9 a.m. on July 4 and after 11 p.m. on Independence Day is also a violation.

Police will implement fireworks-focused special enforcement shifts throughout June and July, the department said, using drones and other technology to identify illegal activity. 

To report illegal fireworks in San Joaquin County, call the Sheriff’s Office at (209) 468-4400. For emergencies involving fireworks, call 911. 

County officials also suggest checking local regulations before purchasing any fireworks. 

This story originally appeared in Stocktonia.