With preparations under way for Fourth of July celebrations, Shawano Police Chief Mark Kohl this week issued a reminder about fireworks safety.
He encouraged area residents to follow three simple rules about fireworks:
• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks. Read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Be sure a responsible adult supervises all fireworks activities. Never give fireworks to children.
State law allows the sale, possession and use, without a permit, of sparklers not exceeding 36 inches in length, stationary cones and fountains, toy snakes, smoke bombs, caps, noisemakers, confetti poppers with less than one-fourth grain of explosive mixture, and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground.
There is no age restriction on sale, possession or use of these devices, and the statute does not classify them as fireworks.
However, possession or use any other fireworks, including, for example, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, is illegal in Wisconsin without a permit. A common rule of thumb is that a permit is required if the device explodes or leaves the ground.
In Shawano, fireworks permits may be obtained at City Hall during normal operating hours. The fee is $50, and the city may require an indemnity policy of liability insurance for the payment of all claims that could arise because of injury to persons or property. Permits may not be issued to minors.
The fine for discharging fireworks without a city permit is $187. The fine for creating a public nuisance is $376.