Fireworks Displays Information and Forms

Updated 6/5/06

Fireworks are not permitted anywhere in the unincorporated areas of Placer County except when approved by the County and executed by a pyrotechnic company licensed by the California State Fire Marshal. Due to Placer County’s vulnerability to damaging wildfires, the Board of Supervisors adopted an ordinance prohibiting fireworks of all types, including those sold for home use at roadside stands in several cities in Placer County and throughout the region. Every year, Placer and other foothill counties experience a fire season from May to October marked by high temperatures, low humidity, and almost no rain. During this exceptionally dry period local, state and federal fire agencies battle damaging natural and human-caused wildfires, many resulting from illegal fireworks that put lives, property and our beautiful natural environment at risk.

There are, however, exceptional circumstances where public fireworks displays are routinely considered, usually for the 4th of July holiday period and for New Year's Eve. For these as well as for other special events, the county has an application and review process. The application process requires individuals or organizations considering a fireworks display, whether private or public, to pay a fee, hire a licensed pyrotechnic company and take other steps as may be necessary to reduce the hazards and/or negative impacts to local Placer communities. Each application is reviewed by the Office of Emergency Services and ultimately approved by the Director of Risk Management.

There are three documents for those wanting to obtain a fireworks display application: