Aurora Police: Fireworks are Illegal in the City

AURORA, IL — The Aurora Police Department and the City of Aurora are issuing a reminder about the use of illegal fireworks within city limits.

Illegal fireworks pose real threats to the safety of people and to property, and are enforced by Aurora's municipal Code, per Article II, Section 29-30:

Fireworks and pyrotechnics violation

It shall be unlawful to possess, explode, fire, ignite, use or discharge any display fireworks, flame effects and consumer fireworks, as defined by state law, within the corporate boundaries of the city.

Confiscation of fireworks

The chief of police, or his or her designees, shall have the authority to immediately confiscate any display, fireworks, flame effects, and consumer fireworks in violate of this section and to promptly and safely destroy said items.

Penalties

A violation of the provisions set forth herein shall be punishable by a fine of $250 for a first offense. The fine for each subsequent violation shall increase by $100 with a maximum fine of $950.

Federal law prohibits the possession of M-80s, cherry bombs and firecrackers with more than 50 mg of pyrotechnic composition. Illinois law goes further to ban all consumer fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets and roman candles. Under Illinois law, possession of these fireworks may result in up to one year of imprisonment and a $2,500 fine.

In addition to possible safety hazards, fireworks disturb the peace in neighborhoods, and are often responsible for scaring pets that may run off and become lost.

The City of Aurora takes fireworks violations seriously and Aurora Police officers will be responding to calls for fireworks and enforcing the ordinance.