As the Independence Day celebrations approach, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office reminds the community of the legal consequences and dangers associated with illegal firework possession and usage. It is illegal to sell, transport, or use fireworks that do not carry the "Safe and Sane" seal, as well as possess or use any fireworks in a community where they are not permitted. Law enforcement agencies in the County of San Joaquin have partnered to create an Illegal Fireworks Task Force and will be strictly enforcing the fireworks laws.

Consequences for use of illegal fireworks:

If caught with illegal fireworks violators will be:

• Cited
• Fined up to $50,000
• Misdemeanors could face up to 1 year in jail, felony charges up to 3 years

Illegal fireworks include:

• Sky rockets
• Bottle rockets
• Roman candles
• Aerial shells
• Firecrackers
• Other types that explode, go into the air, or move on the ground in an uncomfortable manner

The Task Force will be patrolling neighborhoods to enforce zero tolerance against illegal fireworks. The San Joaquin County Illegal Fireworks Task Force wants to remind everyone that fireworks cause a nuisance to our residents, injuries, fires, and effect our pets and community members that suffer from PTSD. The goal of the Task Force is to help keep our community safe from injury and help prevent fires caused by illegal fireworks. 

To report illegal firework usage, please contact your local law enforcement agency:
Stockton Police Department- 209-937-8377
Lodi Police Department- 209-333-6727
Manteca Police Department- 209-456-8100
Tracy Police Department- 209-831-6550
San Joaquin County Sheriff's Office- 209-468-4400
Ripon Police Department- 209-599-2102
Escalon Police Department- 209-838-7093

In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office highly encourages citizens to watch the Firework Safety video by Stockton Fire Department to ensure proper handling and disposing of Safe & Sane fireworks.