Thinking about celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks? Here’s what Illinois law says

The Fourth of July is often associated with patriotism, family gatherings, plus a whole lot of food.

And don’t forget the fireworks.

While impeccable displays of bright colors will zoom through the night sky on Independence Day, fireworks can sometimes be heard days – or even weeks – earlier. But for Illinois residents contemplating setting off fireworks – as tempting as it may be – you might want to think twice.

Illinois is one of three states that ban some or all consumer fireworks. Under state law, such displays are permitted only in areas that have passed ordinances granting approval, adhere to requirements and only use approved types of fireworks.

Many Illinois residents can, however, celebrate with “novelty effects,” which technically aren’t considered fireworks under state law. The following “novelty” items aren’t prohibited under the Illinois’ Pyrotechnic Use Act.

• Smoke devices
• Snake or glow worm pellets
• Trick noisemakers known as “party poppers,” booby traps,” “snappers,” “trick matches,” “cigarette loads” and
  “auto burglar alarms”
• Sparklers
• Toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices in which paper or plastic caps containing twenty-five hundredths grains (16 mg) or less of explosive compound are used, provided they are so constructed that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion
• Toy pistol paper or plastic caps that contain less than twenty hundredths grains (13 mg) of explosive mixture

Each municipality can implement an ordinance banning “novelty effects,” so you’ll want to check what the situation is in your community before making a purchase.

All fireworks, including sparklers, are illegal in the city of Chicago.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal issued a reminder about fireworks safety ahead of the Fourth of July holiday, explaining even novelty items are dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries and burn more than 1,200 degrees – which is hot enough to melt many metals and turn steel glowing red, officials said in a news release.

“Many people enjoy celebrating the 4th of July with consumer fireworks to light up the night sky, but these come with serious risks that are often underestimated,” acting Illinois State Fire Marshal Allen Reyne said in the release. “We strongly encourage everyone to attend professional fireworks displays instead, where safety measures are in place…”