In an effort to reduce wildfire risk and maintain the health and safety of visitors and residents during Fourth of July celebrations, county officials are emphasizing two key rules: All fireworks are illegal in unincorporated Placer County, including the Lake Tahoe Basin, and alcohol is banned on the Truckee River from July 1-6.
Due to Placer County’s vulnerability to damaging wildfires, the county has an ordinance that prohibits fireworks of all types, including those ‘safe and sane’ fireworks intended for home use that are sold at roadside stands throughout the region.
The fireworks prohibition applies to the following:
Anyone caught violating the fireworks ban could be charged with a misdemeanor and face a fine of up to $2,000 per violation. Residents within the city limits of Roseville, Lincoln and Rocklin are advised to check with their local municipalities for regulations pertaining to legal fireworks use during the designated Fourth of July period.
There are a variety of professionally organized Fourth of July celebrations throughout Placer County to ensure residents have a fun, yet safe celebration. The following events feature firework displays for the community to enjoy:
Tahoe City 4th of July Park and Ride
Residents and visitors can celebrate Independence Day stress-free by taking advantage of TART’s free park and ride service. Shuttles will run between the Northstar Castle Peak parking lot and the Tahoe City Transit Center for the 4th of July Fireworks Celebration.
Starting July 1, park-and-ride service from Northstar Castle Peak parking lot to Kings Beach will be available daily. Service will operate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays through Thursdays, and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays. One vehicle will run continuously during operating hours, providing reliable transportation throughout the summer season ending Aug. 31.
Alcohol banned on the Truckee River
Officials are also warning visitors that alcohol is banned on the Truckee River from July 1-6, an annual safety banoriginally passed by the Board of Supervisors in 2012.
The ban prohibits possession of open alcoholic containers in and along both sides of the river, including islands and bridges, from its outfall at Lake Tahoe in Tahoe City to the upstream edge of the Alpine Meadows Bridge during the holiday week. Violations of the ban are punishable by a fine not to exceed $150 for the first violation, $500 for the second violation and $1,000 for the third violation.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office will be stepping up enforcement throughout the North Lake Tahoe Basin to ensure safety during the holiday weekend.
Signage noting the ban is posted at river access points throughout the enforcement area. Businesses along the river with a valid liquor license are excluded from the ban.
Lastly, Placer County will increase staff to monitor the county’s short-term rental complaint hotline throughout the holiday weekend. Officials are urging visitors to enjoy the area responsibly and to follow posted rules. Anyone can report short-term rental rule violations by calling Placer’s 24/7 hotline at 530-448-8003.
Learn more about theshort-term rental hotline here.
Learn more aboutPlacer’s fireworks ordinance here.