Do I need a permit for my neighborhood fireworks in IL? What metro-east ordinances say

Chicago recently made the top 15 in a WalletHub list for the Best & Worst Places for 4th of July Celebrations , but just how friendly is Illinois law to fireworks?

Consumer fireworks displays are allowed only in municipalities, villages and counties that have enacted ordinances permitting them, according to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal, and they must follow regulations on use and the type of fireworks allowed.

Sparklers are not regulated by the Illinois Pyrotechnic Use Act , but municipalities can ban their sale and use on public property.

Illinois law bans the use of handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, skyrockets, Roman candles, chasers, buzz bombs, firecrackers and more.

Here’s what to know about local firework ordinances in a few metro-east municipalities. All are bound by state law regarding banned firework types.

Metro-east fireworks regulations

This is an overview of local ordinances, but it’s a good idea to read them in full and contact your city officials if you’re planning a fireworks event.

Belleville’s municipal code bans the possession, sale or use of fireworks within city limits unless permitting requirements are met. Applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the event, and public firework display permits carry a $300 fee, which includes three hours of a standby fire crew and equipment.

Collinsville regulates the sale, possession and public display of fireworks by requiring a permit 15 days prior to the event, an insurance policy of $1 million in liability coverage, an application that includes information about the display and more.

Edwardsville bans the sale or use of fireworks except when the fire chief issues a permit for “supervised displays of fireworks in the city by associations, organizations or groups of individuals or businesses.” Permit applications must include detailed information about the event, and fireworks may not be set off within 500 feet of a school, hospital or church.

Swansea does not require fireworks permits for individuals or supervised public displays by state or county fair associations, but requires permits for groups of three or more adults. Permits must be applied for at least 15 days before the event and carry a $10 fee. To obtain a permit, a bond of at least $1,000 conditioned on compliance of state law and Swansea ordinance (the village of Swansea is not required to get a bond).

East St. Louis issues fireworks licenses in May, June and July and potentially in other months for special events. “No more than eight licenses will be issued,” the city’s municipal code reads, and the fee is $250 for licensed retail businesses, $750 for wholesale or distributor’s licenses and $1,000 for a fireworks display license.

Fairview Heights issues fireworks permits for groups of three or more adults. The fee is $10, and applications must be submitted at least 15 days before the event. Violating the permit requirement can lead to a $100 fine.

O’Fallon requires a fireworks permit , which must be applied for at least 15 days in advance. The fee is $10, and the applicant must have a $1 million general liability insurance policy meeting certain requirements.

Firework safety

Hospitals across Illinois reported 108 injuries in the July 2023 seasonal reporting period, according to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Health care workers are not required to report firework-related injuries.

First-degree burns, dismemberment/amputation and abrasions were among the reported injuries, and OSFM encourages Illinois residents to “ let the professionals handle fireworks, it’s simply not worth the risk! ”

While sparklers are generally allowed in Illinois, they account for roughly 25% of fireworks-related emergency department visits, according to the National Fire Protection Association.

The OSFM recommends people attend professional fireworks displays rather than setting them off at home. Alternative celebratory activities include glow sticks, outdoor movie nights, patriotic silly string and crafts.

Several southwestern Illinois towns will host fireworks shows on and around Independence Day, including O’Fallon, Millstadt, Waterloo and more.

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