4th of July Fireworks: What's Legal, What's Not In Oswego

OSWEGO, IL — The 4th of July is just weeks away, which may leave some residents wondering: What's the village's policy on fireworks? Here in Oswego, it's illegal to "knowingly possess, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail or use or explode any display fireworks, flame effects or consumer fireworks."

Pyrotechnic displays can only be held with a permit from the village by a licensed pyrotechnic operator. That means no backyard fireworks shows. Anyone found to be in violation of the village firework ordinance is subject to a fine of at least $250 and up to $750.

Laws and ordinances banning fireworks aren't meant to stop you from having 4th of July fun — they're intended to keep you safe. According to the Illinois State Fire Marshal's 2017 summary of fireworks injuries, a total of 181 injuries were reported during the four-week period including the 4th of July. Some stats:

• 1 fatality was reported
• Injuries affecting hands (51) and eyes (34) were the highest
• 28 head/face injuries were reported
• The dismemberment/amputation category rose to 16 from the previous year’s report of 15
• Second-degree burns were the leading type of injury at 49 followed by 28 first degree burns and 27 finger
• Injuries that required hospitalization for more than 24 hours doubled to 38 from the previous year’s 18
• The fireworks causing the highest number of injuries was the “mortar” category at 32; followed by the “unknown” (28) and sparklers wire/wood core (18) and roman candles and bottle rockets at 16 each.

Nationwide, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported four non-occupational fireworks related deaths in 2016. The 2017 report hasn't been released yet.

Fatal Fireworks Accident: Man Dies During Kids' Fireworks Show

2 Workers Injured in Bridgeview Fireworks Accident

Know the law

What does state law say? Basically, if you've got to go to Indiana to buy it, it's probably illegal here in Illinois. The Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act prohibits the sale, possession and use of consumer fireworks — and what's legal to purchase across state lines could earn you up to a year in prison and a $2,500 fine once you cross back into Illinois. Nationwide, fireworks including M-80s and cherry bombs (anything containing more than 50 milligrams of "pyrotechnic composition") are banned.

Are there any 4th of July items that are legal in Illinois? The Pyrotechnic Use Act doesn't have any regulations regarding "novelty" fireworks, so these items are OK:

• Sparklers
• Snake/glow worm pellets
• Smoke devices
• Trick noisemakers known as "party poppers," "booby traps," "snappers," "trick matches," "cigarette loads" and "auto burglar alarms;"
• Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns or other devices using plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound (provided that are made so they do not come into contact with a person's hand)

What's illegal? Pretty much anything else, including (but not limited to):

• Hand held fireworks
• Bottle rockets
• Firecrackers of any size or type
• Sky rockets
• Roman candles
• Chasers
• Buzz bombs
• Ground items other than those identified as Approved Consumer Fireworks
• Helicopters
• Missiles
• Pin wheels or any other twirling device whether on the ground or mounted above the ground
• Planes
• Sky lanterns, the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel same

Safety first

The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these firework safety tips:

1. Never allow children to handle a firework device
2. Check local laws and only use legal, consumer-grade fireworks
3. Leave professional fireworks to the professionals
4. If using consumer fireworks, make sure you keep a bucket of water or a hose handy
5. Don't try to relight a firework that turns out to be a dud

Leave it to the professionals

Your best bet for 4th of July fireworks fun? Leave it the professionals and go see a local (legal) fireworks display.

Here in Oswego, the Independence Day Fireworks show is at dusk in Prairie Point Park, 4120 Plainfield Road, on Wednesday, July 4. Rain date is Thursday, July 5. Attendees are welcome to bring blankets and lawn chairs.

Parking will be available at Prairie Point Park, Oswego High School, the Village of Oswego Public Works Facility and East View Academy.

Photo by Autumn Johnson, Patch Staff