PHOTO: Courtesy of WLUK
OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — As summer arrives, so too does the season for fireworks, and the Oshkosh Police Department is cracking down on fireworks violations.
Residents should be aware which types of fireworks are allowed or not permitted within the city.
Legal fireworks include sparklers, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noise makers and confetti poppers (with less than 1/2 grain of explosive).
Illegal fireworks include Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets, mortars and anything that explodes or leaves the ground. Only individuals/groups with a governmental issued permit are allowed these types of fireworks.
Oshkosh police say they will be performing inspections of locations that sell fireworks as a proactive measure, in order to ensure illegal fireworks are not being sold to Oshkosh residents who do not possess a permit to buy these fireworks.
Officers will also be responding to fireworks complaints to make contact with citizens to determine if a violation has occurred. If a violation has occurred, law enforcement action will occur and fireworks found to be in violation will be seized to curtail repeat violations and ongoing problems.
Fireworks ordinance fines/court costs for juveniles range from $105 for the first offense to $505 for the third offense (for third or subsequent offense within 36 months of conviction).
Fines for adults begin at $295 and up to nearly $1,400 for the third offense (for third or subsequent offense within 36 months of conviction).
Law enforcement reminds Oshkosh residents that while fireworks may be enjoyable, they can also cause distress to community members with PTSD or noise sensitivities, as well as pets. Illegal fireworks also pose a safety threat.
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