It is that time of year where we celebrate July 4th. With the 4th falling on a Thursday this year, we will have people celebrating during the week, and on the weekends, prior to and after the actual holiday. Wisconsin law and Village of Cottage Grove ordinances prohibit fireworks use and possession. The legal and illegal fireworks are defined below, but the common rule of thumb is that if it explodes or goes in the air, it is illegal! Please be kind to your neighbors who suffer from PTSD, and pets who are severely affected by these loud explosions. Also, illegal fireworks are a personal safety and fire hazard. The fine for using these illegal fireworks is $187.
LEGAL WITHOUT A PERMIT
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 ¼ grain of explosive mixture, and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground. Wis. Stat. § 167.10(1). These are the only kinds of “fireworks,” as that word is commonly used, that a person may use or possess.
ILLEGAL WITHOUT A PERMIT
Possessing or using any other fireworks, including, for example, firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars, in Wisconsin without a valid permit is illegal. Wis. Stat. § 167.10(3). A commonly used rule of thumb is that a permit is required if the device explodes or leaves the ground. Cottage Grove does not issue permits for illegal fireworks use in the village.