The Santa Barbara County Fire Department reminds the public that all fireworks, including the so-called ‘safe and sane’ variety, are illegal in all unincorporated areas of Santa Barbara County, including the cities of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Carpinteria, Buellton and Solvang. Safe and sane fireworks are allowed within the city limits of Santa Maria, Guadalupe and Lompoc. Fireworks that are purchased in any of these cities must be used within those city limits.
Each July Fourth, thousands of people, most often children and teens, are injured while using illegal fireworks. On average, 32,000 fires occur and 9,300 injuries result from fireworks nationally according to the National Fire Protection Association. Despite the dangers of fireworks, few people understand the associated risks, which include devastating burns, eye injuries, fires, and even death.
The Santa Barbara County Fire Department recommends the best way to view fireworks is to attend one of the public fireworks displays conducted by professional pyrotechnicians hired by local communities.