From the Wausau Police Department
As we near Independence Day, we wanted to remind everyone of an important message about fireworks.
You see, there tends to be a lot of confusion about what’s legal and what isn’t. That is probably due to the fact you can legally purchase some very powerful fireworks from local retailers, which you may not even be able to discharge.
In Wisconsin, essentially any firework which leaves the ground or blows up is ILLEGAL to discharge. That’s right; bottle rockets, M-80s, roman candles and mortars are all no-no’s.
However, the state does allow local municipalities to issue permits to persons who have gone through steps to be safe and insured for fireworks discharge. That process exists in Wausau: http://www.ci.wausau.wi.us/Departme…/…/Safety/Fireworks.aspx. However, it is not a simple quick process and requires a lot of planning.
There are many fireworks which are legal; such as sparklers and fountains. Every year our officers respond to numerous complaints across our city regarding illegal discharge of fireworks. They have caused injury, damage to property and disturb residents. Our agency has and continues to have a zero tolerance policy on illegal discharge of fireworks. You will be issued a citation.
Please, if you want to see some fireworks, check out numerous free local shows which occur not only on Independance Day but through summer. We want everyone to have fun, but we also have to be safe.
If you don’t agree, if you think we’re party poopers, if you think a few quick fireworks aren’t a big deal…watch this video and think about this family before you light one.
