FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ) — Fourth of July fireworks shows are going to be difficult to come by this year, and that has some area fire departments worried.
Without traditional Fourth of July fireworks displays there are concerns that some may try setting off their own displays with consumer fireworks in spite of laws require a permit to do so.
“What we’re worried about is that with more and more communities that have decided against a public show, that consumers will take it upon themselves, in their own backyards,” said Fond Du Lac Fire Chief Peter O’Leary.
O’Leary says that getting a permit for such a display would mean jumping through a lot of hoops in many Wisconsin cities and villages.
“If some residents wanted to do that in their backyard they would have to get a permit from us, and they would have to employ us,” O’Leary told WTAQ. “Along with a licensed pyrotechnican to perform all the safety things that they need to do.”
He says putting on your own fireworks show is a bad idea if you’re an amateur.
“Every year there are hundreds and hundreds of emergency room visits by [fireworks] mishaps,” O’Leary said Wednesday. “Nobody ever thinks that that day is going to be their day until it happens.”
Coronavirus concerns led to the cancellation of most area 4th of July events.
