Are Your Fireworks Legal?

Sheriff Chip Meister would like to remind citizens of which fireworks are legal and which are illegal. Fireworks that are legal without a permit are sparklers not exceeding 36 inches in length, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noisemakers, confetti poppers with less than ¼ grain of explosive mixture, and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground. These are the only kind of fireworks that a person may use or possess without a permit. Possessing or using any other fireworks, including firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, without a valid permit is illegal.

A permit may be issued by a mayor, village president or town chair or any person designated by the mayor, village president, or town chairperson. The permit is only valid in the city, village, or town of the official that issued it and must specify a specific location. It is only valid on the date specified of the permitted use and cannot specify a range of dates. A permit cannot be issued to a minor.

A person who possesses or uses fireworks without a valid permit, or who sells to a person who does not have a valid permit, is subject to a forfeiture of up to $1000.00 per violation. Each firework illegally possessed, used or sold may be a separate violation. In addition, a parent or guardian who allows a minor to possess or use fireworks is subject to a forfeiture of up to $1000.00 per violation.

Sheriff Chip Meister