On Monday, March 9, the Artesia City Council took action to reschedule the City’s annual Independence Day celebration to Friday, July 3, 2026.
The change is due to a statewide shortage of certified fireworks technicians in California and the limited availability of alternative vendors on July 4. To ensure residents can still enjoy a live fireworks display, the City Council chose to move the event to a new date rather than risk losing the fireworks show altogether.
The technician shortage is affecting multiple municipalities across the region, and many alternative vendors are already fully booked for July 4, making it necessary for the City to host the celebration one day earlier this year.
Additionally, the City Council approved an amendment to the City’s Municipal Code regulating the use of fireworks. The amendment strengthens accountability for the discharge of illegal fireworks within the City by holding responsible persons, including those owning or controlling property, accountable for the possession or use of illegal fireworks. The updated regulations can be found in Section 4-2.101 of the City’s Municipal Code.
Under the ordinance, only fireworks classified as “safe and sane” by the California State Fire Marshal may be sold, possessed, or discharged within the City. These fireworks meet specific safety standards that allow for use by the general public. All other fireworks—including those commonly referred to as illegal or “dangerous” fireworks—remain strictly prohibited.
In addition, the ordinance adopts a “responsible person” provision. Property owners or individuals responsible for a property may be held liable if illegal fireworks are sold, possessed or discharged on their property or in the public right-of-way immediately adjacent to their property, even if the owner is not present or did not personally ignite the fireworks. This provision is intended to help law enforcement address situations where illegal fireworks are used during gatherings or celebrations.
“Fireworks are an important part of how families celebrate Independence Day,” said Mayor Rene Trevino. “These updates help ensure our vibrant community can continue to celebrate responsibly while protecting residents, homes, and first responders from the very real dangers posed by illegal fireworks.”
The City Council also updated the administrative fines for violations related to illegal fireworks due to the severe hazard they create:
| Current Fines | New Fines | |
| First Violation | $1,000 | $2,000 |
| Second Violation | $1,000 | $3,500 |
| Third and Subsequent Violations | $1,000 | $5,000 |
| First and Subsequent Violations for Use of Illegal Fireworks in a Crowd of 300 People or More | N/A | $5,000 |
The ordinance also clarifies that penalties may apply to both the individual who ignites illegal fireworks and the responsible person associated with the property where the violation occurs.
Residents are reminded that the use of “safe and sane” fireworks is permitted only during the City’s designated fireworks sales and discharge period, which runs from June 28 through July 4 of each year. During this period, fireworks may only be discharged between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m., with all fireworks use required to stop by 10:00 p.m. on July 4. Safe and Sane Fireworks may not be discharged in city parks or parking lots.
These updates are intended to promote safer celebrations while reducing the risks that illegal fireworks pose to residents, property, and emergency responders.
The amended ordinance will take effect on April 8, 2026, 30 days after adoption by the City Council. The new fines took effect immediately upon adoption on March 9, 2026.
For more information, view the City’s Municipal Code or contact the Community Development Department at 562-865-6262.