What to do with Your Illegal Fireworks in Rancho Bernardo

You're not supposed to have them, but you do.

Sparklers. Firecrackers. Cherry bombs. Bottle rockets.

Fun but illegal, your private Fourth of July stash could land you in jail, the hospital or on the hook for major fines. So what should you do?

The San Diego Fire-Rescue Department will take them off your hands if you bring them to a fire station and leave them with the firefighters on duty. However, don't just leave them on the doorstep if no one is there.

"Under California law, illegal fireworks include sky rockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, aerial shells, firecrackers and other miscellaneous types that explode, go up in the air, or move about the ground in an uncontrollable fashion," according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department. "Those convicted could be fined up to $50,000 and sent to prison or jail for up to one year."

Here's where you can take them in Rancho Bernardo and Rancho Peñasquitos:

• Fire Station No. 33 (Rancho Bernardo): 16966 Bernardo Center Dr.
• Fire Station No. 40 (Rancho Peñasquitos): 13393 Salmon River Rd.