Vernon Hills Police: Fireworks Are Illegal

Even though the purchase of some types of fireworks may be legal in some neighboring states, the fact remains that they are still illegal to use and even possess in Illinois. Remember, the laws in Illinois do not change over the July 4th holiday. Fireworks are no more legal now than they are at other times of the year. This includes the possession or use of fireworks that are purchased out of state.

The Vernon Hills Police Department stresses that all complaints of fireworks are investigated thoroughly. If someone is found to be in violation, the items in question will be confiscated and the person(s) involved will be arrested and charged, when appropriate. Adults, as well as minors, are subject to all enforcement action.

Vernon Hills’ ordinances prohibit any person from using, selling, delivering, exploding and/or possessing fireworks in the village. The term “fireworks” includes firecrackers, cherry bombs, skyrockets, bottle rockets, roman candles, M-80’s, etc. Sparklers are also prohibited in Vernon Hills. (Sparklers burn at 1,800 degrees! For comparison, a match burns at 325 degrees.)

“In addition to the illegality, sometimes people forget about the obvious dangers involved,” said Mark Fleischhauer, chief of police.  “Fireworks are gunpowder explosives that can burn, cut and puncture.”

The Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness also reminds everyone that one out of every three fireworks injuries is to the eyes and one out of every four fireworks eye injuries means some kind of permanent blindness.

Anyone who has questions about fireworks laws should call the Crime Prevention Unit at (847) 247-4889.