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When do fireworks go on sale in Merced? This map shows where to find stands

The Fourth of July is just around the corner — and fireworks stands are starting to pop up across town.

If you’re itching to you get your sparklers, firecrackers or rockets, here’s what to know about when fireworks go on sale in California — and where to find a stand near you in Merced:

Michael Dockery, 19, of Merced, assists a customer in purchasing fireworks at the TNT fireworks stand near G Street and Olive Avenue in Merced on Tuesday.
Michael Dockery, 19, of Merced, assists a customer in purchasing fireworks at the TNT fireworks stand near G Street and Olive Avenue in Merced on Tuesday. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsunstar.com

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 those in Merced county, 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.

Fireworks explode in the night sky during a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show at the former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif., on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Fireworks explode in the night sky during a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show at the former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif., on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

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.

Confiscated illegal fireworks in Modesto, Calif., on Tuesday, July 4, 2017.
Confiscated illegal fireworks in Modesto, Calif., on Tuesday, July 4, 2017. Andy Alfaro aalfaro@modbee.com
Three people were arrested over the weekend in Merced during an undercover sting operation that police say was just the beginning of a new campaign targeting illegal fireworks in the community.
Three people were arrested over the weekend in Merced during an undercover sting operation that police say was just the beginning of a new campaign targeting illegal fireworks in the community. City of Merced

What are penalties for illegal fireworks use in Merced?

Setting off illegal fireworks in Merced can result in citations and fines.

In Merced, anyone caught selling or possessing illegal fireworks could face steep fines or even jail time.

Fines for possessing illegal fireworks in Merced increase with each offense, starting at $1,000 for a first citation, $1,500 for a second and $2,000 for a third, according to the Merced Police Department.

Fireworks explode in the night sky during a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show at the former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif., on Sunday, July 4, 2021.
Fireworks explode in the night sky during a Fourth of July concert and fireworks show at the former Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, Calif., on Sunday, July 4, 2021. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsun-star.com

How can I report illegal fireworks in my neighborhood?

Residents with information about the sale of illegal fireworks can email the Merced County Sheriff’s Office at sherifftips@countyofmerced.com. Tips can remain anonymous.

To report someone actively using illegal fireworks, you can call the sheriff’s office at 209-385-4725.

Dave Taylor, volunteer for the Merced High school Marching 100 Band, and an alumni of the band, (right) helps customers Marina Hoag (left) and Marina Lyon (middle) (mother and daughter), both of Merced, with their fireworks purchases at their stand on G St by Olive Ave in Merced Monday. (7-1-13). Lyon is buying the fireworks to celebrate her daughter Brittany Lyon’s birthday, which falls on the fourth. She will be 19.
Dave Taylor, volunteer for the Merced High school Marching 100 Band, and an alumni of the band, (right) helps customers Marina Hoag (left) and Marina Lyon (middle) (mother and daughter), both of Merced, with their fireworks purchases at their stand on G St by Olive Ave in Merced Monday. (7-1-13). Lyon is buying the fireworks to celebrate her daughter Brittany Lyon’s birthday, which falls on the fourth. She will be 19. Merced Sun-Star

Where can I buy fireworks in Merced?

Several fireworks retailers — including TNT Fireworks, Phantom Fireworks and Freedom Fireworks — will have stands operating across Merced starting Saturday, June 28, through July 4.

Here’s where to find fireworks in Merced:

Golden Valley High School band director Michael Vasquez, 37, of Merced, places fireworks on shelves for sale at the TNT Fireworks stand located at the intersection of G Street and East 18th Street in Merced, Calif., Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Proceeds from the sales go to the Golden Valley High School marching band.
Golden Valley High School band director Michael Vasquez, 37, of Merced, places fireworks on shelves for sale at the TNT Fireworks stand located at the intersection of G Street and East 18th Street in Merced, Calif., Tuesday, June 28, 2016. Proceeds from the sales go to the Golden Valley High School marching band. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsun-star.com
Fireworks are for sale the Phantom fireworks stand at Parsons and East Childs avenues in Merced on Tuesday.
Fireworks are for sale the Phantom fireworks stand at Parsons and East Childs avenues in Merced on Tuesday. Andrew Kuhn akuhn@mercedsunstar.com
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Angela Rodriguez
The Modesto Bee
279-386-2738
Angela Rodriguez is a service journalism reporter for The Bee. She is a graduate of Sacramento State with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. During her time there, she worked on the State Hornet covering arts and entertainment.
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