Considering shooting off illegal fireworks? Think again if you live in O’Fallon

O’Fallon police plan to crack down on illegal commercial grade fireworks during the extended Fourth of July holiday weekend, according to Director of Public Safety Kirk Brueggeman.

Over the past several years, there has been an increase in residents setting off illegal fireworks in the city limits, he said, noting police will enforce city and state laws.

“History has shown us that people think it’s OK to violate the fireworks laws. These are generally law-abiding citizens. It’s very common all over, but they are illegal. It doesn’t make it right. We have a responsibility to our residents to ensure a safe and quiet Fourth of July season,” Brueggeman said.

The current O’Fallon ordinance states it is unlawful for any person, firm, business partnership or corporation to offer for sale, sell at retail, use, or explode any fireworks within the city limits.

Those in violation could face up to a maximum $750 fine, according to City Attorney Todd Fleming.

“Our focus will be on large fireworks displays — the illegal commercial grade. Officers will be issuing citations when probable cause exists,” Brueggeman said.

“Each of these mortar type of fireworks shoot projectiles that travel hundreds of feet into the air and must come down at some point, frequently on the roofs, porches and property of others in the neighborhood. They can cause serious burn and eye injuries, and property damage,” he said.

“In addition, the loud noises of these large fireworks are a nuisance to many of our residents. Neighbors will complain.,” he said. “PTSD is a real thing, and fireworks can cause triggers in people.”

Last year, the metro-east communications center, which covers Shiloh and Fairview Heights, too, received over 140 calls over the three-day Independence Day holiday weekend.

Fifty-eight calls were in O’Fallon, Brueggemann said.

On July 4, 2021, specifically, there were 35 calls over a two-hour period, he said.

For the upcoming July 2-4 period, they will bring in additional officers to supplement the regular patrol crews to decrease response times to fireworks complaints, he said.

“I would love to not have officers respond to a large amount of calls. They have more important things to spend their time on,” he said.

Safety concerns

At a July 12, 2021, council public safety committee meeting, discussion took place about the time officers spend on fireworks calls that takes away from other calls, especially emergencies.

That resulted in further research about what action the city could take.

“There are concerns about safety for individuals and individuals’ property as well as the impact on people that have health conditions that are aggravated by the fireworks,” Mayor Herb Roach said at that time.

“There is concern about responding to normal calls for public safety assistance, when trying to deal with over 50 calls for fireworks. There is the concern over streets being blocked for fireworks, and individuals sitting in very close proximity, and this is sometimes going on until after midnight,” he said.

Considered a danger to public safety and health, fireworks are heavily regulated. There are not any kinds of fireworks in the state that are legal.

‘Save your money’

In Illinois, the Pyrotechnic Use Act bans the sale, possession, and use of all “consumer fireworks.” That includes firecrackers, M-80s, cherry bombs, bottle rockets and Roman candles. Violating the PUA can result in up to one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.

The mayor said it has been pointed out that it is a federal offense to carry fireworks across state lines. What fireworks are legal in Missouri and Indiana may be illegal in Illinois.

Brueggeman advised residents to think twice before they go out of state to purchase the illegal fireworks.

“Save your money instead of watching it blow up in front of you,” he said.

“It is possible to have a fun Independence Day celebration without the illegal fireworks.”

The city ordinance on fireworks can be found here: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/ofallon/latest/ofallon_il/0-0-0-15.

Fireworks Over O’Fallon

The city will host a fireworks display that will begin at dusk at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 3, at the O’Fallon Family Sports Park. The fireworks will be launched near the west entrance.

It will be like previous years’ events, with food trucks and vendors on hand.

“A few years ago, we brought back fireworks for the first time in 30 years. Each year, we will continue to make them bigger and better!” Roach said. “I hope that all of you will join us in celebrating the holiday and enjoying the community.”

Spectators are asked to park only in designated parking areas. There will be no parking in the grass or side of roadways in the Sports Park.

Once all the parking spots are filled, no other vehicles will be allowed in the Sports Park. People may still access the park on foot and watch the fireworks from grass areas.

Parking, traffic at fireworks display

The turf fields and baseball restrooms will be closed. Restrooms near the Splash Pad and north side of the park will be open.

There will also be parking restrictions on the north side of West Nixon and West Madison. Parking will be prohibited on Venita Drive and Taylor Road.

Venita Drive and the west entrance of the Family Sports Park will be closed to traffic five minutes before the firework show begins and reopened immediately following the completion of the show.

At the end of the show, signs and police officers will direct vehicles towards either the East or West exit of the Sports Park (depending on where people parked).

The O’Fallon Police ask people remain patient and to expect delays leaving the Sports Park.

This story was originally published June 21, 2022 at 12:39 PM.