31-05-2025
Lodi police and fire teaming up to prevent illegal fireworks
May 31—As the summer season approaches, local law enforcement agencies said they will begin enforcing rules prohibiting illegal fireworks in the city.
The Lodi Police Department announced on Friday that it will be working with the Lodi Fire Department and the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office to focus on those who buy, sell and use illegal fireworks.
Throughout June and July, the department will be implementing fireworks-focused special enforcement shifts, deploying drones and utilizing additional technology to identify and prosecute those who violate fireworks laws.
Lodi Municipal Code prohibits the possession of illegal fireworks as well as discharging them on public property.
It is also illegal to discharge any fireworks within 10 feet of any residential dwelling.
In addition, it is illegal for any minor to sell, purchase, possess, or discharge any fireworks, and for any person who has care or custody of a minor to permit the minor to discharge fireworks.
Discharge of any fireworks before 9 a.m. on July 4 and after 11 p.m. that day is also prohibited.
Violations can result in several thousand dollars in fines and even jail time.
The department said it will also reinstate the online fireworks reporting portal to streamline the process and help officers identify problem locations and neighborhoods.
The Lodi Municipal Code includes several "fireworks-specific" sections, and can be viewed online at and typing "fireworks" in the search bar.
The department reminds resident to always look for the "safe and sane" logo when purchasing legal fireworks from authorized vendors.
Safe and sane booths will begin setting up in Lodi on Tuesday, June 24, and fire department staff will inspect them on Saturday, June 28.
If a booth passes inspection, nonprofits can then begin selling the fireworks until 10 p.m. on July 4.
The six nonprofits sponsoring booths this year are AndraeStrong, The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, One Love — Community Outreach. Inc., Tokay Boys Basketball Booster Association and Knockout Parkinson's, Inc. Booth locations will be released in the coming weeks.
