Prairie State Wire

Springfield, Ill. - The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) urge organizations and individuals to leave fireworks displays to licensed professionals this Fourth of July season.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), fireworks caused an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 other fires. These incidents resulted in 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage. Both commercial/consumer fireworks and unregulated novelty fireworks contribute to these statistics.

Novelties such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers are also hazardous. Sparklers account for a significant number of injuries, particularly among young children. They burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt metals. "Fireworks and the 4th of July go hand-in-hand," said Illinois State Fire Marshal James A. Rivera. "But if not used properly or by professionals they can cause serious injuries such as burns, dismemberments, amputations, or worse."

During the July 2023 reporting period, 34 hospitals reported a total of 108 injuries related to fireworks to the OSFM. No fatalities were recorded during this period. The most frequent type of firework involved in injuries was "Mortars" (47%), followed by Roman Candles (13%), Firecrackers (11%), and Bottle Rockets (10%). Nearly half of all injuries affected hands (21%), torso (13%), and eyes (14%). Lacerations led with 21% of injuries followed by second-degree burns at 20%.

The IDNR advises those sponsoring fireworks displays in Illinois to ensure their vendors have state licenses issued by both IDNR and OSFM before conducting shows.

The Illinois Explosives Act mandates that anyone dealing with explosives—including display fireworks—must possess an explosives license and storage certificate from IDNR. Consumer fireworks are regulated by OSFM and permitted only where local ordinances allow them. Approved consumer fireworks can be purchased only by adults with permits from their local jurisdiction.

"The last thing anyone wants during the Fourth of July is a fireworks-related accident that leads to life-altering injuries or even death," said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie.

The Illinois Explosives Act is enforced by the IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals' Explosives and Aggregate Division which oversees licensing requirements for individuals handling explosives. There are currently over 2,200 licensed individuals for explosive use in Illinois; approximately one-third specifically handle display fireworks.

Violating the Illinois Explosives Act can result in a Class 3 felony with penalties up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

Emergency responders should contact IDNR or OSFM immediately regarding any personal injury or property damage due to explosives use.

For more information on regulatory programs or reporting incidents involving display fireworks:

- Contact IDNR Office of Mines and Minerals at: 217-782-9976

- Contact OSFM at: 217-785-0969