San Andreas- CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit would like to remind everyone that within the counties of Tuolumne and Calaveras fireworks rules and regulations differ. In Tuolumne County, ALL fireworks are prohibited; including safe and sane fireworks. In Calaveras County, with the exception of the Ebbetts Pass Fire Protection District, Safe and Sane fireworks are allowed. As a reminder, if you legally purchase Safe and Sane fireworks in Calaveras County, you cannot possess, transport or discharge them in Tuolumne County.

“Dangerous” fireworks are illegal within the State of California, regardless of how they arrived in the State. “Dangerous” fireworks include, but are not limited to the following: firecrackers, skyrockets, rockets, devices which employ combustible or explosive material and rise in the air, roman candles, devices which discharge balls of fire, sparklers greater than ten inches in length or 1/4 inch in diameter.

Safe and Sane fireworks can typically be identified by their label:
CAL FIRE advises Safe and Sane fireworks users to follow the below safety tips:
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.
• Keep a safe distance.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never experiment with fireworks.
• Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
• Never attempt to re-light or “fix” fireworks.
• Do not wear loose fitting clothing.
• Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
• Fireworks are not toys.
• Use only State Fire Marshal approved fireworks.

Persons using “Dangerous” fireworks in both Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties are subject to a citation and confiscation of the illegal fireworks. Persons using any fireworks in Tuolumne County are subject to a citation and confiscation of the fireworks. Additionally, if the fireworks use result in a fire the user is subject to additional violations, the possibility of arrest and potential civil liability for the damages caused by the fire. Members of the public possessing fireworks can surrender them without penalty at any fire station.

For additional information, please visit the following sites:
http://www.fire.ca.gov/
https://osfm.fire.ca.gov/divisions/fire-engineering-and-investigations/fireworks/
http://www.readyforwildfire.org/
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