Green Bay Reporter

As Independence Day approaches, the Green Bay Metro Fire Department and the Green Bay Police Department are emphasizing firework safety to mitigate risks associated with illegal fireworks. Each year in the United States, fireworks cause over 19,000 fires and send more than 9,000 people to emergency rooms. In Wisconsin, illegal fireworks can result in fines of up to $1,000 per violation.

In 2023, the Green Bay Police Department responded to 99 service calls around the 4th of July, while the Green Bay Metro Fire Department addressed 15 fires. The departments have issued a set of guidelines and information regarding legal and illegal fireworks as well as safe alternatives for celebrating.

**Safety Tips:**

- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.

- Be prepared by keeping a bucket of water or a working garden hose nearby.

- Do not attempt to relight or handle malfunctioned or "dud" fireworks.

- Store fireworks away from combustibles and soak both used and unused fireworks in water before discarding them.

- Keep pets indoors with ID tags on.

**Examples of Legal Fireworks:**

- Sparklers not exceeding 36 inches in length

- Stationary cones and fountains

- Toy snakes

- Smoke bombs

- Caps

- Noisemakers

- Confetti poppers with less than ¼ grain of explosive mixture

- Novelty devices that spin or move on the ground

**Examples of Illegal Fireworks without a valid permit:**

- Firecrackers

- Roman candles

- Bottle rockets

- Mortars

Legal fireworks do not leave the ground or explode; however, even these can cause serious injuries such as burns and hearing loss.

**Safe Alternatives:**

The departments recommend attending professional firework shows and events or using glow sticks and silly string for safer celebrations.

For further details on obtaining a valid permit in Green Bay, visit [City of Green Bay](https://greenbaywi.gov/). For information on Wisconsin State Statutes regarding firework regulation, refer to [Wisconsin Legislation](https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/167/10). Additional firework safety information is available at the [National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA)](https://www.nfpa.org/education-and-research/home-fire-safety/fireworks).