Fourth of July celebrations: Are fireworks and sparklers illegal in Chicago?

Fireworks are banned statewide in Illinois. Novelty items may be allowed depending on where you live.

Photo by Stephanie McCabe on Unsplash

(CHICAGO) I've been hearing fireworks going off around my suburban neighborhood for the past week. But officials prefer that the public leave the fireworks celebrations to the professionals.

This year, the Chicago Fire Department, with fireworks safety advocates and doctors at the University of Chicago Comer Children's hospital, issued their annual warning on the dangers of fireworks.

Commanding Fire Marshal Ryan Rivera explained, "the injuries we see every year range from minor burns to catastrophic and life changing injuries. That includes loss of fingers, damage to eyes, and even fatalities."

The CFD also demonstrated what happens when a sparkler catches a child's clothing on fire. Fireworks injuries send over 3,000 children each year to the emergency room.

Are fireworks allowed in Illinois?

No, fireworks are banned across the state of Illinois. Additionally, in Chicago, sparklers and bottle rockets are also banned.

Why are sparklers banned in Chicago?

According to the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM), "novelties such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers are very dangerous."

The OFSM states that sparklers are the cause of the majority of fireworks injuries. They can burn hotter than 1,200 degrees, and one quick touch can result in burns and permanent damage.

Are fireworks legal anywhere in the state?

Fireworks are banned across the state, but novelty items may be allowed depending on where you live.

According to the OSFM, "Home fireworks use around the 4th of July holiday are a dangerous tradition that leads to injuries that are preventable by simply leaving fireworks to the professionals."

Whether or not novelty items (sparklers, snappers, and poppers) are allowed depends on your local community. The OSFM urges the public to check first to see what is allowed before using these items.

What's the penalty for getting caught with fireworks in Illinois?

According to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR),

"A violation of the Illinois Explosives Act can be a Class 3 felony, with a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $10,000 fine. In addition, IDNR can assess administrative fines for violations involving display fireworks and other explosives."

Are any fireworks legal in Illinois?

Novelty items such as snakes, sparklers, and party poppers are not regulated by the state. However, check your local regulations. For example, sparklers are banned in many cities, including Chicago.

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