California-Sacramento July 2008: Posession of Illegal Fireworks in the State of California is a crime. If caught a person can spend 5 days in the county jail. If someone is caught using fireworks illegally the sentence is increased to 10 days in the county jail. If a child is endangered, or if a person has a prior record they can do up to 30 days.

Anyone using fireworks illegally that causes major property damage or bodily injury can look at years behind bars in a California State Prison.

What is Illegal in California? "Anything that explodes or leaves the ground is considered an illegal firework" said Sacramento Metro Fire Marshall Mike Stewart. "The state of California approves all fireworks that show the State Fire Marshall Seal. This seal is on all safe and sane products".

We asked Fire Marshal Stewart if tossing a "legal" firework into the air, or "crimping" a piccolo pete causing it to explode was ok. "No" said Stewart. "Any altering or modification of a legal firework is also against the law. The individual can be charged"

If you discover illegal fireworks you can take them to the nearest fire station or police station. Do not call 911 unless you need to report an emergency or to report a fire.