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The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) are emphasizing safety for fireworks displays this Fourth of July. They advise organizations and individuals to ensure that their vendors possess the necessary state licenses and certificates before proceeding with fireworks shows.

According to the Illinois Explosives Act, anyone involved in activities such as purchasing, possessing, using, transferring, storing, or disposing of explosives, including display fireworks, must obtain an explosives license and storage certificate from the IDNR.

These licensing and storage requirements do not apply to consumer fireworks classified as 1.4 explosives. The OSFM regulates approved consumer fireworks, which are only allowed in villages, counties, and municipalities that have enacted ordinances permitting such displays. Only adults with permits from their local jurisdiction can purchase and display these consumer fireworks. However, handheld fireworks like firecrackers, roman candles, and bottle rockets remain prohibited for sale or use in Illinois.

Further information is available from both the IDNR and OSFM.