Lodi Eye
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Fireworks in Lodi and San Joaquin County: 2026
Few places in San Joaquin County draw a sharper line on fireworks than the line at the edge of Lodi's city limits. Inside the city, residents can legally buy and set off "Safe and Sane" fireworks for one day a year; a few blocks away, in the unincorporated county, every fireworks device — even the ones with the state seal — is illegal. The essentials for 2026:
Lodi allows "Safe and Sane" fireworks. Six city-licensed nonprofit booths sell them from Sunday, June 28 through July 4; they may be set off only on July 4.
The discharge window is narrow. In Lodi, legal fireworks may be used only on Saturday, July 4, 2026, between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. — not on the days before or after.
Anything that flies or explodes is illegal everywhere in California — bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, and aerial shells included.
The unincorporated county bans all fireworks, including Safe and Sane ones, with "social host" penalties added in 2025.
Penalties are steep: Lodi is running special enforcement with local fines starting at $1,000 per violation, and state law allows fines up to $50,000 and up to a year in jail.
Fireworks Injuries - post July Fourth 2025
Fireworks-related injuries in the U.S. surged significantly in 2024, with post-July Fourth 2025 data showing the trend continuing. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reported an estimated 14,700 injuries and 11 deaths in 2024, a 52% increase in injuries and a 38% rise in fatalities compared to the previous year. Most injuries occurred around Independence Day, and both legal and illegal fireworks contributed to the toll
Fireworks 2025: A Dangerous Year
Many of us are disappointed that this year’s Fireworks display was cancelled at Lodi Lake, but share in the grief of families who lost loved ones in the explosion in Esparto, CA on July 1. Based on last year’s numbers and initial reports for this year, illegal (not Safe and Sane) fireworks have resulted in injury or death to a record number of our fellow citizens. We all want a fun Fourth to celebrate our Independence Day — with some great memories and no scars or tragedies.
Pets and Fireworks
Fireworks can be a terrifying experience for many pets, with studies showing that over 67% of dogs suffer from at least one form of noise aversion. The sudden loud noises, bright flashes, and unpredictable timing can trigger intense anxiety in dogs and cats alike. Fortunately, there are numerous effective strategies you can implement to help your furry friends stay calm and feel secure during fireworks displays.