Palos Heights Police Ask Residents To Lay Off Illegal Fireworks This Fourth of July

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- The Palos Heights Police Department says it will be enforcing state laws regarding the sale, possession and use of fireworks over the Fourth of July holiday. Fireworks are illegal in the state and in the City of Palos Heights.

“Fireworks are exciting, but can also cause serious injuries, such as severe burns or eye damage,” Palos Heights Chief George Yott Jr. said.

Novelty fireworks, such as snakes, sparklers and party poppers are not regulated by the state, however, they are just as dangerous as M80s, Roman candles and any other type of firework that blows up or flies through the air. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers accounted accounted for more than half of the fireworks fires reported on Independence Day between 2009 and 2013. Further, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission data showed that sparklers alone accounted for 28 percent of emergency room fireworks injuries from June 20 to July 20, 2014.

Residents who are aware of someone selling or possessing illegal fireworks should immediately contact the Palos Heights Police Department by calling the non-emergency number at 708-448-2131 or 911. Leave fireworks demonstrations to licensed professionals.