The Madera City Council has approved a sweeping update to the city’s fireworks regulations, imposing stricter rules, expanded enforcement authority, and steeper penalties aimed at curbing illegal fireworks activity ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

The ordinance, which took effect June 12, replaces outdated city code and comes after years of increasing complaints and safety concerns tied to illegal fireworks, particularly aerial devices that city officials say have landed on rooftops and dry vegetation, threatening homes, the Fresno River bottom, and public safety resources.

One of the most significant changes is the creation of a “responsible person” standard that allows the city to hold property owners, renters and parents accountable for fireworks violations occurring on or immediately adjacent to their property, even if they did not personally light the fireworks.

Madera’s Parents, Guardians Can Be Held Liable

Under the ordinance, parents and guardians may also be held liable for fireworks violations committed by minors in their care, regardless of whether they were present when the violation occurred. City officials said allowing illegal fireworks activity on a property may be enough to establish liability.

The ordinance permits only California-approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks for personal use. All other fireworks remain prohibited within city limits.

Legal discharge of Safe and Sane fireworks is limited to 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. from June 28 through July 3 and from 5 p.m. until midnight on July 4.

The updated rules also prohibit fireworks, including Safe and Sane varieties, in city parks, the Fresno River and surrounding areas, High or Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones, within 10 feet of any structure, and on private property without the owner’s consent.

Violators Face Charges, Fines, and Reimbursements

Violators may face misdemeanor charges, fines of up to $1,000 per occurrence and reimbursement of emergency response costs, including personnel time and damage to public property. The ordinance allows each day a violation continues and each individual illegal firework to be treated as a separate offense. Unpaid fines may result in a lien being placed on a property.

The ordinance also changes the city’s fireworks sales regulations. Licensed nonprofit organizations may continue selling Safe and Sane fireworks, but beginning in 2027, the number of permitted stands will be reduced from one per 2,000 residents to one per 4,000 residents. Permit decisions will be made by the Community Development Director and cannot be appealed.

City officials are encouraging residents to review the new rules and use Safe and Sane fireworks only during authorized hours and in approved locations.

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