Local News

Law Of The Month: Illegal Fireworks

July 3, 2014

With the 4th of July holiday weekend just around the corner the Fond du Lac Police Department would like to take a moment to remind everyone that most forms of fireworks are ILLEGAL. If you will be celebrating the holiday weekend with friends, family and fireworks please keep in mind the following guidelines when it comes to fireworks:

1. Rule of Thumb: If it explodes or flies, it is illegal.

2. State allows the sale, possession and use, without a permit, of sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, and caps, noisemakers and confetti poppers with less than ¼ of a grain of explosive mixture. There is no age restriction on sale, possession or use of these devices and the statute does not classify them as fireworks. These are the only kinds of “fireworks,” as that word is commonly used, that a person may use or possess without a permit or that may be sold to a person who does not have a permit.

3. The permits that you receive or buy from the fireworks stands are NOT legal fireworks user permits. The City of Fond du Lac does not recognize any permits not issued directly from the City Clerk.

4. If you are caught in possession of fireworks without a valid users permit or license, you will have your fireworks confiscated and you will be fined ($218.50).

To report fireworks complaints, please contact the Fond du Lac Police Department at 906-5555.

The Fond du Lac Police Department receives numerous complaints regarding fireworks each year. We will actively enforce areas where there are large gatherings of people (i.e., Lakeside Park, downtown district). As manpower allows, we will enforce in residential areas, particularly during the evening hours. We are asking the citizens for their observance to this State Statute and City Ordinance prohibiting the possession and use of fireworks – State Statute 167.10(3).

In closing, the City of Fond du Lac Police Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable 4th of July. The City of Fond du Lac fireworks display will take place on July 4, 2014 at Dusk at Lakeside Park 55 N. Park Ave in Fond du Lac. Again, we are asking that everyone work with the Police and Fire Departments in making this a safe and peaceful holiday for all the residents of our community.

Officer Kari Gordee #64