Backyard Fireworks… What’s Allowed And What Fines Can You Face For Illegal Ones

Its that time of year. As the skies start to darken in the evening, neighborhoods around the city come alive with fireworks, most of them illegal. KFIZ asked local police and fire officials their thoughts on this widespread issue.

Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein says “Everyone deserves to celebrate July 4th and have fun doing so, but every year we hear stories about people being injured and property getting damaged. The general rule is, if the firework leaves the ground, or explodes, it’s illegal to shoot off.”

Goldstein goes on to say, “There are numerous places in the region where you can observe public displays of fireworks put on by experts for free including on July 4th at Lakeside Park.”

The police chief says it’s not worth the hassle of a citation and the potential for injuring someone or causing damage or a fire.” When it comes to enforcing the laws, fines within the city are $90 for 12-13 year old offenders, $187 for 14-16 year olds, and $313 for 17 and older.

Fond du Lac Fire Rescue also recommends leaving fireworks to the professionals, adding if you are going to light off legal fireworks, to follow common sense safety guidelines like not allowing children to light or play around fireworks. Never ignite fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Maintain a safe distance from buildings and never light any off inside a structure.

Often times some fireworks wont go off. If this happens, fire department officials say to spray the firework with a hose or dump a bucket of water on it and let it sit overnight before discarding it in the trash. According to the National Fire Protection Association, almost 20,000 fires are started each year from improper use of fireworks.

Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt also wants everyone to enjoy celebrating the 4th, but says every year the department respond to calls where people have been injured by fireworks, and homes, businesses, or property damaged by fireworks that ignite fires.

Waldschmidt also points out that some people, particularly veterans who suffer from PTSD, sleeping children, and pets who become anxious, struggle with the noise and concussion of exploding fireworks. Respecting others in your neighborhood goes a long way in minimizing frustration and in turn reduces the number of fireworks complaints the department receives.

Waldschmidt also refers those wanting to see the larger fireworks to attend a professional, planned display in or near your local community.

The City of Fond du Lac will be putting on their fireworks show in Lakeside Park on Tuesday, July 4th at 9:30 PM. The Fond du Lac Dock Spiders are also putting on a fireworks
display after each friday night home game this season.