Broadview July 4: No Injuries; $750 Fireworks Fine Imposed

(Broadview, IL) – Unauthorized use of fireworks on July 4th have typically resulted in some injuries of Village of Broadview residents mishandling bottle rockets, firecrackers or other explosives, but this year there were no injuries while simultaneously the village imposed a $750 fine on a household for illegally launching fireworks from their property.

Broadview’s top elected official credits, in part, a public warning delivered to holiday revelers during a recent village board meeting as the holiday approached and heightened vigilance by town’s police and fire officials.

At the Broadview Board of Trustees’ June 21 meeting, Mayor Katrina Thompson issued a gentle warning to fireworks enthusiasts, reminding residents that setting off fireworks village wide is prohibited by a village ordinance, and violators risked a $750 fine.

“I reminded the community that we do have an ordinance that relates to fireworks, and that it is illegal to shoot off fireworks in the village,” said Thompson at the end of the board’s bi-monthly meeting. “I also advised the Fire and Police Departments that when we get calls on a certain house, that they are to knock on the door to remind a resident about the fireworks ordinance, but if we have to go back to the resident and they are still popping fireworks, we will issue a $750 citation.”

Fine “sends a clear message” mayor says.

“We want residents to be able to enjoy the festivities surrounding the 4th of July and during other celebrations, but we need it to be done in a safe and respectful manner. We don’t want to fine people,” said Thompson. “I am happy that there were no injuries this year, but Broadview is going to enforce its ordinances, so the $750 fine imposed sends a clear message to others who may be thinking about messing with fireworks or causing neighborhood disturbances: don’t do it. Not on my watch.”

davidormsby@davidormsby.com