Villa Park fireworks will go on sale on June 30, 2024 at 10:00 am and conclude sales on July 4, 2024 at 8:00 pm. “Safe & Sane” Fireworks sales will be open from 10 am to 10 pm every day except closing at 8 pm on July 4th. Fireworks in Villa Park can be discharged on July 4th from 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM. The sale of safe and sane fireworks in the city has been curtailed by two days (from 7 to 5 days) in response to citizen complaints about fireworks being set off prior to the Fourth of July. This year there will be increased law enforcement around the Fourth of July which also means an increase in the filing fees to offset these costs. Filing fees were increased from $1,000 to $1,700.
Please keep in mind Villa Park sells “Safe & Sane” fireworks which means they do not sell aerial or missile type fireworks. Those are illegal to sell and use in the City of Villa Park. When you see a firework in the sky it was NOT sold in Villa Park nor is it legal to be used. Extremely loud fireworks such as an M-80 is another example of a type of firework not sold or legal to use in Villa Park.
Non-profit organizations are chosen at random to operate booths and sell fireworks in Villa Park. The deadline for applications is April 30th each year. City Hall (17855 Santiago Blvd) hours are Monday-Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
Organizations with Booths
- Villa Park Schools (@Cerro Villa Middle School)
- The Villa Park Rotary (@town center)
- Friends of the Villa Park Library (@town center)
- Villa Park Women’s League (@town center)
- VPHS PFSO (@Cerro Villa Middle School)
These organizations have raised approximately $85,000 each between them in years past.
When Safe & Sane Fireworks can be Used:
- July 4th: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Discharging fireworks outside of this time period is prohibited and subject to a $500 fine.
Fireworks cannot be discharged in the Town Center, on school grounds, or any public property with the exception of residential public rights-of-way located immediately adjacent to a dwelling of individuals participating in the discharge of the fireworks.
It is illegal to possess (12677 H&S) or discharge (12680 H&S) dangerous fireworks anywhere in California, including Villa Park. Dangerous fireworks are explosives such as M-80’s and even small firecrackers known as “Lady Fingers or Black Cat”.
When you can Purchase Fireworks
- June 30: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- July 1-3: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- July 4th: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Where to Purchase Fireworks in Villa Park
- Villa Park Town Center
- Villa Park High School (2 locations, front and back of school)
4th of July Activities Near Villa park
- Orange 3rd of July Celebration at Grijalva Park
- Villa Park 4th of July Parade at VPHS
- Orange Park Acres 4th July Parade and Races at Salem Lutheran Church
Orange County Cities that Sell Fireworks
- Anaheim
- Buena Park
- Costa Mesa
- Fullerton
- Garden Grove
- Huntington Beach
- Santa Ana
- Stanton
- Villa Park
- Westminster
Fireworks Permits
The Villa Park Community Services Foundation, Friends of the Villa Park Library, Villa Park Rotary and Villa Park Women’s League are issued one temporary stand permit each year, to be shared as a joint venture.
The schools (SE, VPE, CVMS, VPHS) Parent Faculty Student Organizations are issued one temporary stand permit each year, to be shared as a joint venture.
The balance of the available temporary stand permits are issued by lottery to the remaining non-profit or not-for-profit organizations that qualify.
No permit shall be issued to any person, firm or corporation except non-profit associations or corporations organized primarily for civic betterment or youth activities.
Each organization must have its principal and permanent meeting place within the corporate limits of the City, must maintain a bona fide membership of at least twenty (20) Villa Park resident members, and must have been organized and established in the City’s corporate limits for a minimum of one year.
Source: Villa Park Municipal Code
What are Safe & Sane Fireworks?
Safe and sane fireworks are those that do not fly or explode. Legal vendors are only allowed to sell “safe and sane” fireworks, which should be packaged bearing a logo from the state Fire Marshal. Minors younger than 16 are not allowed to buy or possess “safe and sane” fireworks.
Types of fireworks that are included under Safe & Sane: fountains, sparklers, smokeballs, snake-type fireworks, ground-spinning fireworks, pinwheels, most novelty fireworks, toytrick noisemakers, and some crackling items—basically anything that doesn’t leave the ground.
Fireworks that include rockets, aerial missiles and spinners, roman candle-types and any other devices (combination or novelty) that are structurally or functionally similar to any of these designs are not considered “safe and sane.”
For those residents considering using Safe and Sane fireworks this 4th of July, the City of Villa Park advises the following safety tips:
- Obey all local and state laws.
- Buy only State Fire Marshal approved (Safe and Sane) fireworks. They must have the State Fire Marshal’s seal on them and can only be purchased at licensed fireworks stands.
- Have a bucket of water and a hose handy.
- Always read directions and have an adult present.
- Use fireworks outdoors only and light one at a time.
- Never use near dry grass or other flammable materials.
- Fireworks are not toys and should be handled by adults only.
- Do not wear loose clothing and always use safety goggles.
- Use common sense and keep a safe distance.
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Never experiment with fireworks.
- Never attempt to re-light or fix fireworks.
- Never carry fireworks in your pockets.
- Parents are liable for any damage or injuries caused by their children using fireworks.
What to do if you get burned?
- Cool the burn with cool water, not ice.
- Seek medical treatment or dial 9-1-1.
- Do not apply butter or ointments.
Fireworks Pet Safety
Fireworks can create anxiety for pets especially dogs. Here are some tips for protecting your pet or dog from loud fireworks noises.
- Arrange for your dog to be at a place where there are not fireworks such as a friend or dog day care.
- If at home have a kennel for them to feel safe in.
- Consider medication to sedate the dog. Give the dog the medication before the fireworks began when they are in a calm state.
- Use a Thundershirt or other anxiety relief wrap.
- Keep blind/curtains closed. Windows and screen doors too so they don’t go through them.
- Use calming oils, sprays, pheromone diffusers.
- Do not keep on a leash unattended during fireworks (really never unattended). A scared dog could harm himself trying to escape the noise.
- Do not bring a dog to a fireworks show. Even if you think they’re ok with it one traumatic experience could change the dog and every Fourth of July experience after that for you and your pet.
- Try to secure the dog in an interior room and play the TV, music or white noise to block out the noise of the fireworks. There is even sound therapy for dogs such as Through a Dog’s Ear or The Canine Noise Phobia Series
- Give the dog a long lasting treat or toy to play with.
- Make sure cats and dogs have ID tags. If they run away you’ll need it.
- Walk your dog before the fireworks began.
- Wear your pet out. With any luck they will be too worn out and calm to be concerned about the fireworks noise.
- Remove any visual stimulation.
- Use a calm voice with your pet to keep them calm.
- Be home to monitor your pet if you’re unsure how they’ll react or already know it’s will be an issue.