EAST PEORIA, Ill. – When it comes to the 4th of July, it’s really best to leave the fireworks to the professionals.
East Peoria Fire Chief Bobby Zimmerman says what you can actually buy and use in Illinois is pretty limited.
“Those are going to be your sparklers, your smoke devices, your little snake or glow worm pellets and what not,” Zimmerman says.
Even sparklers, which you may think are harmless, should never be used by kids without adult supervision.
“Keep in mind that a sparkler burns at almost 2,000 degrees…which is almost 10 times the temperature of boiling water. So, those little devices when they’re running around can become dangerous,” Zimmerman says.
Any firework that goes up in the air is illegal in Illinois. That includes bottle rockets, Roman candles, pinwheels and fire crackers of any size.
Besides the risk of injury, a violation of Illinois’ Pyrotechnic Use Act brings with it fines ranging from $50 to $2,500.
If you are going to be lighting novelty items that are allowed, Zimmerman says they should only be used in a safe space like your driveway or a street.
“It’s going to be super hot on the 4th of July, so we don’t want any of those devices in the woods, by very dry brush, grass, or trees…because that could cause a grass fire that could spread quickly.
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