MENASHA, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The Fourth of July holiday is almost here and for many Wisconsinites, that means celebrating with fireworks.
Rules about what you can, and cannot do, vary across the state.
Wisconsin law makes it illegal to use fireworks without a permit. The state does allow most people to get one, but you’ll want to see if your community has tightened those laws before loading up for a backyard show.
“Anything that leaves the ground, like bottle rockets, roman candles, any type of airborne fireworks, anything like that is illegal and cannot be used in the city limits of Neenah-Menasha, or in most municipalities, actually,” said assistant fire chief and fire marshal for Neenah-Menasha Fire Rescue Vernon Green.
State law lets local governments make their own rules. Some don’t have any extra restrictions, but Neenah and Menasha do.
Those cities won’t give permits out to individuals, essentially making private fireworks shows illegal.
Those permits are the same ones that can be found at local firework stands, but Green tells FOX 11 you’ve got to read the fine print.
“Basically, what it says on there is that it gives you the right to transport that product to a location where it is legal to use it. That’s all that is.”
State fireworks laws only let a city mayor, village president or town chairperson issue permits. But Green says permits from fireworks stands are different.
Oshkosh Fireworks Nation owner Andy Nelson tells FOX 11 his customers have to buy a permit and they don’t leave without knowing what it means.
“They’re not gonna buy the product from us without a permit, let’s put it that way. Once they buy the permit, you know, we explain to them and answer any questions that they may have, and after that, it’s up to them, obviously, to use it in accordance with the law.”
So, what exactly won’t get you in trouble this Fourth of July?
“What we call ‘safe and sane’ in the industry, and that’s showers and sparklers; things that stay on the ground,” Nelson said.
“Some are quiet, some whistle and things like that, but it gives a nice floor display.”
Green says anyone still looking to light up the sky illegally this Independence Day could be fined up to $1,000.
“Have fun, go out and enjoy it, but leave the fireworks up to the professionals,” he said. “There are just a lot of very, very good fireworks displays all over the place.”
