CAL FIRE and state fire officials are warning Californians that illegal fireworks will be met with strict enforcement heading into the Fourth of July, according to East County Magazine. The warning comes as San Diego County prepares for holiday events, including Santee Salutes at Town Center Community Park East.

The state warning says illegal fireworks can carry penalties of up to $50,000 in fines and a year in jail. CAL FIRE said fireworks caused 747 wildfires statewide in 2025, with nearly $16 million in property damage, five firefighter injuries and eight civilian deaths.

The local rule is stricter than many residents may realize: all consumer fireworks are prohibited throughout San Diego County, including items classified elsewhere as Safe and Sane, such as sparklers and fountains. State officials said devices that explode, launch into the air or move unpredictably are illegal statewide.

For Santee, the safest option is to leave fireworks to permitted public shows. With dry brush, the San Diego River corridor and open-space edges all part of the local fire picture, even small ignition sources can become a serious problem fast.

Source: East County Magazine.