126 people were injured, and one killed by fireworks between June 23 and July 20, 2019 in Illinois
Galesburg, IL (July 1, 2020) The 4th of July is usually celebrated with cookouts, outdoor activities, and fireworks shows. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many communities, including the City of Galesburg, have canceled their displays. This is raising concerns about an increase in the use of novelty fireworks and illegal fireworks in Illinois.
It is important to remember fireworks are dangerous and should only be used by someone who has a permit and the proper training. We still want people to remember our safety message; Fireworks: leave them to the professionals!
In addition to fireworks, novelties such as sparklers, snappers, and poppers are very dangerous. Sparklers account for the greatest number of fireworks injuries, and often to the youngest victims. Sparklers burn in excess of 1200 degrees – hot enough to melt many metals and hot enough turn steel glowing red. An instantaneous touch of this will cause a burn and may result in permanent damage or scarring.
LEGAL FIREWORKS IN ILLINOIS
•snake or glow worm pellets
•smoke devices;
•trick noisemakers known as “party poppers” or “snappers”
•sparklers
•toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices with paper or plastic caps containing twenty five hundredths grains or less of explosive compound are used
ILLEGAL FIREWORKS IN ILLINOIS
• Hand held fireworks
• Bottle rockets
• Firecrackers of any size or type
• Sky rockets
• Roman candles
• Chasers
• Buzz bombs
• Ground items other than those identified as Approved Consumer Fireworks
• Helicopters
• Missiles
• Pin wheels or any other twirling device whether on the ground or mounted above the ground
• Planes
• Sky Lanterns, the type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel same
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Cathy St.George
Executive Assistant
City of Galesburg, IL
