Full Notification

Subject: Fireworks


During the past few weeks, police departments across the nation have experienced an increase in calls for service involving the use of illegal fireworks. Such activity is not uncommon leading up to Independence Day celebrations; however, the cancellation of officially sanctioned fireworks shows in many communities has resulted in an unusually high and extremely unsafe surge in the use of illegal fireworks.

The purpose of this communication is to remind citizens of the illegal status of many common fireworks, and to educate the public at large on the dangers of using illegal fireworks.

On average, 180 people require emergency room treatment each day due to fireworks-related injuries around the July 4th holiday.
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks

Fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,000 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2019 (95 percent confidence interval 7,100 – 12,900).
Source: https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2019-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf?La_ZzaoEeI_FXhMNJSoIyO8BhrBbcA4B

Wisconsin State Statute 167.10 provides an outline to determine which fireworks are legal and which are illegal. The general is, any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is prohibited in the City of Racine.

Generally allowed devices (subject to content) are:
Cone Fountains
Cylinder Fountains
Small smoke bombs
Snakes (no mercury)
Sparklers less than 36” long

Prohibited Devices - Include, but are not limited to:
Aerial Salutes
Firecrackers
Roman Candles
Skyrockets
Wheels

Please keep in mind the following safety tips:

• An adult should always be present while children are using
fireworks
• Never point or throw fireworks at people.
• Wear eye protection when lighting fireworks.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time
• Never attempt to re-light a “dud” firework.
• Always have water available (bucket or hose)
• The safest way to prevent injuries is to leave fireworks displays
to trained professionals.

Ordinance violations regarding possession and/or use will be enforced. Individuals found to be in violation may face a fine of $313. Upon law enforcement contact, illegal fireworks will be confiscated, and per city ordinance, such property will be stored and subsequently destroyed at the possessors’ expense.



Sgt. Chad Melby
Public Information Officer