FDL Fire & Rescue on Purchasing, Shooting Off Fireworks

Fond du Lac Fire and Rescue is reminding residents to leave the fireworks shows to the professionals as we get further into the summer months. Division Chief Troy Haase says you’ll soon be seeing those roadside stands selling fireworks, and he says just because they’re selling them, doesn’t mean all of them are legal to shoot off within the city limits. “Anything that leaves the ground or explodes is against the law, it’s that simple,” Haase said. “Fountains are fine, but anything that actually leaves the ground – is not connected to the ground any longer – or explodes is illegal. If you get caught shooting those off, or even just transporting them from the stand to your house, you’re actually breaking the law.”

Snakes, sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, caps, and other fireworks that do not leave the ground or explode are legal to possess and use in the city. Meanwhile, firecrackers, roman candles and bottle rockets are some examples of fireworks that are not allowed inside city limits. Haase says some stands will give you a so-called “permit” to shoot off those types of fireworks, but those “permits” are not recognized by the City of Fond du Lac. “In the City of Fond du Lac, no permits are issued unless they go through the city, and the only ones we issue are for the big events,” Haase said. “Any of those types of events – like the Fourth of July, the Dock Spiders’ fireworks – they have permits, but otherwise you can’t get one unless you are a licensed person to shoot off fireworks.” Anyone who does shoot off illegal fireworks will be given a citation and a fine by police.