Police Adding Extra Patrols To Respond To Fireworks Complaints

PALOS, IL —If you're planning on dazzling your neighbors with an illegal pop-up fireworks display, Palos Park and Palos Heights police will be cracking down on fireworks scofflaws this Fourth of July holiday.

While each town has its own fireworks' ordinance, the state fire marshal is clear when it comes to pyrotechnics: leave it to the professionals. Palos Heights’ professional display will take place July 3 at Memorial Park, 7607 W. College Drive, with another professional fireworks display set for July 11 as part of Palos Hills’ Friendship Fest, 107th Street and 88th Avenue.

The Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act (PUA) bans the sale, possession, and use of all consumer fireworks, that can be bought illegally in some states like firecrackers, bottle rockets, and roman candles. Illinois consumers caught with fireworks can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face fines up to $2,500.

Novelty fireworks, such as sparklers, snakes, party poppers and caps are not regulated but are available for retail purchase in Illinois. Young children should be supervised when using sparklers, which can reach temperatures of up to 1,800 degrees F. The sparkler wire also presents a serious danger because of the high temperature of the wire during and after use.

Palos Heights will be working in conjunction with the Cook County Bomb Squad to address residents' fireworks complaints. Officers will confiscate fireworks, and, if necessary, arrest people.

“We will be fining people who blow off fireworks,” Palos Heights Deputy Chief Bill Czajkowski said. “Seized consumer fireworks will be turned over to the Cook County Bomb Squad for disposal.”

Palos Park police are taking a preventive approach, following up on residents and businesses' complaints of potential pop-up fireworks displays, reminding scofflaws of the state's statutes and laws. Additional staff will be on duty throughout the holiday weekend to prevent, educate and enforce the laws as needed.

“Sunday (July 4) is a high volume night for calls for service, from drunks and loud parties to fireworks,” Palos Park Police Chief Joe Miller said.

If you do call 911 to complain about your neighbor's pop-up display, try to get a complete address where fireworks are being blown off, so police can address the resident's use of pyrotechnics directly, whether that means confiscating their stash, citing or arresting that person