Fire Chief: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

There's always a couple people who go against village ordinances and light fireworks on the Fourth of July, but lighting those Roman candles could be a bit more dangerous this year, given the dry conditions.

Because of the long stretch of dry, hot weather we've experienced recently, North Shore Fire Department Chief Robert Whitaker said the fire department is watching the weather reports and hoping for a little rain before the Fourth of July. 

With coming up Wednesday, Whitaker said he has asked the event organizers to consider taking extra precautions to ensure their “fall-out areas” are as safe as possible.

All fireworks are illegal in Shorewood. While items that don't leave the ground, such as sparklers, cones, snakes and other fireworks are OK in neighboring Whitefish Bay for use on private property, Shorewood police say any use of fireworks is prohibited in the village.

With the dangers of dry weather, Whitaker said it is important that people leave fireworks to the professionals.

"While this is our message every year, it is even more important this year with the dry conditions," he said.

More from Shorewood on Fourth of July: