Peoria fire chief stresses fireworks safety ahead of Independence Day

PEORIA (25News Now) - Independence Day celebrations can be fun, but it can be dangerous as well.

In Illinois, buying and possessing fireworks without a permit has been illegal since 1942.

Peoria Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger said only people who obtain state-registered permits can buy fireworks.

“Even though you get a permit, you can’t just set the fireworks off on your own,” Sollberger said. “You have to secure an operator that’s registered with the state.”

In the City of Peoria, Sollberger said the fire department must inspect fireworks setups and be present when they are showcased.

“You’re dealing with interstate commerce. [People] are going to Indiana or Missouri, buying fireworks and then crossing state lines,” said Gwen Daniels of Illinois Legal Aid, an online website helping people with legal issues. “Once you cross state lines, federal law comes into play.”

Chief Sollberger said the department responded to around 100 calls for fireworks in each of the past two years. He said reported incidents increase around Memorial Day each year.

According to Sollberger, these incidents aren’t more common in one area of town, but they occur all over Peoria. The chief said adults and children are commonly found with burns and other injuries.

“Everybody loves fireworks, the loud bangs, the whole scenery of it all, the display itself,” Sollberger said. “All we would recommend is that if people have that urge, just do it the right way.”

Peoria residents wanting to get rid of fireworks can drop them off at the Peoria Fire Department Central House at 505 NE Monroe St. Chief Sollberger said those who do will remain anonymous.

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