My road doesn't get a lot of traffic, and I were to light some non-aerial fireworks in the street with my kids, there is next to zero chance of there being any fires.

But head further east into the foothills, and he danger/risk begins to grow.

I think the individual cities should decide their rules based on their risk. In the past, it's been illegal to light fireworks further east than a certain road - and that makes sense. Absolutely no fireworks really doesn't.