Palos Park Police Start Crackdown On Illegal Fireworks

PALOS PARK, IL — With the Fourth of July right around the corner, you’re probably already hearing a few warm-up booms going off in the neighborhood. Palos Park police are kicking off their anti-fireworks campaign, so if you feel compelled to celebrate America’s independence by blasting off gut-thumping, ear-shattering pyrotechnics, you could get a ticket.

Police realize that it’s difficult to find the culprits because callers don’t give the specific information, such as where the fireworks were set off. Those who set the fireworks off often run from the scene, but Palos Park police will have an increased presence surrounding the July 4th holiday with officers focused on calls related to fireworks.

Illinois' Pyrotechnic Use Act prohibits the sale, possession and use of almost all consumer fireworks. Illinois residents caught with fireworks can be charged with a Class A misdemeanor and face fines up to $2,500.

According to the National Fire Protection Association research, there are far more U.S. fires reported on a typical Independence Day than on any other day, and fireworks account for more than half of those fires — more than any other cause of fire. In 2017, the Consumer Product Safety Commission clocked 11,000 emergency room visits across the United States related to fireworks injuries.

If you’re inclined to call 911 to report excessive fireworks, be as specific as possible with an address, police say. Walk around the block and note the address where the fireworks are being set off if your neighbors behind you are getting obnoxious with the fireworks.