Are flamethrowers legal to own in California?

In California, flamethrowers are classified as "destructive devices," which makes them illegal for civilian ownership without special permits. The law is designed to reduce the potential for accidents and misuse of powerful, incendiary devices. The regulation of flamethrowers reflects a broader concern for public safety in urban and suburban areas, where the risk of uncontrollable fires is heightened.

Other options suggest scenarios under which flamethrowers might be considered legal, such as allowing ownership for military personnel or limiting their use to rural areas; however, California law uniformly prohibits civilian ownership regardless of location or specific demographic. This regulation is an example of the state's approach to controlling potentially dangerous devices to ensure community safety.