When do fireworks go on sale in SLO County? Here’s where to find stands
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Fireworks sales in California begin Saturday, June 28, and end on July 4, 2025.
- Illegal fireworks in California include items like aerial shells and firecrackers.
- SLO County enforces $1,000 fines per illegal firework with added criminal penalties.
The Fourth of July is nearly here — and fireworks stands are starting to pop up across San Luis Obispo County.
You’ll soon be able to purchase festive fountains, sparklers and other “safe and sane” explosives for your Independence Day celebrations.
Whether your Fourth of July plans include grilling up some burgers and hot dogs or catching a local fireworks show, here’s when fireworks go on sale in California — and where to find a stand near you in SLO County:
When do fireworks go on sale in California in 2025?
In 2025, firework stands open for business in communities across California on Saturday, June 28, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
Residents in nearly 300 California communities, including several in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties, can purchase so-called “safe and sane” fireworks to ring in Independence Day with a bang.
Here is a full list of cities and counties where you can find retail booths selling legal fireworks.
Which fireworks are considered illegal in California?
In California, illegal fireworks include:
- Sky rockets
- Bottle rockets
- Roman candles
- Aerial shells
- Firecrackers
“Other fireworks that explode, go into the air or move on the ground in an uncontrollable manner” are also considered illegal, according to the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.
What are penalties for illegal fireworks use in SLO County?
Setting off illegal fireworks in San Luis Obispo County can result in hefty fines.
The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors recently approved a stricter fireworks ordinance to enhance public safety, the county said in a news release.
Harsher penalties are now in place for illegal firework use.
If you break the law, you can expect to pay a $1,000 fine per violation in the unincorporated communities of Avila Beach, Cayucos, Creston, Nipomo, Oceano, Santa Margarita and Shandon, the county said.
Each instance of setting off illegal fireworks will be treated as a separate offense, meaning residents can potentially receive multiple fines from one incident, the county said.
Violators could also be charged for any medical and emergency response costs, as well as fireworks disposal.
“This ordinance was created to follow the mandate of our safety professionals at (Cal Fire) due to the increased risk of fires,” county Supervisor Dawn Ortiz-Legg said in the release. “At their request, the county has taken this difficult but critical step in safeguarding our communities.”
Those using or in possession of illegal fireworks could also face criminal penalties with fines beginning at $2,000, the county said, or face felony charges for possessing more than 500 pounds of fireworks.
How can I report illegal fireworks in my neighborhood?
Residents can report illegal fireworks activity to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency line at 805-781-4550.
To reach the Paso Robles Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line, dial 805-237-6464.
You can call the San Luis Obispo Police Department’s non-emergency dispatch line at 805-781-7312.
Where can I buy fireworks in SLO County?
Several fireworks retailers — including TNT Fireworks and Phantom Fireworks — will have stands operating across San Luis Obispo County starting Saturday, June 28, through July 4.
TNT Fireworks has stands scattered throughout the county. You can find a full list of locations online.
Phantom Fireworks will also operate multiple stands acrossSLO County.
For a complete list of Phantom Fireworks locations, visit the company website.
This story was originally published June 27, 2025 at 10:17 AM.
