Fireworks Safety and Ordinance Reminder

The Village of Merrillan wants everyone to have a safe and Happy 4th of July. As we head into the holiday, we want to send out a quick reminder regarding fireworks. The main keyword here is safe. Fireworks can be unpredictable, and keeping things legal helps keep our community protected.

What Does the Law Say?

Under Village Ordinance Title 7, Chapter 6, Section 1 (7-6-1), you must have a user permit to possess or use fireworks within the Village.

A good rule of thumb is that if it goes up, or blows up, you need a permit.

• Who can get a permit? Permits can only be issued to specific groups like civic organizations, fair associations, amusement parks, or an authorized group of residents. Permits are never issued to minors.
• Insurance Requirement: To get a permit, the Village President requires an indemnity bond or liability insurance policy to cover potential injuries or property damage.
• Deadlines: A copy of the permit must be given to the Fire Chief at least two days before the planned use.

What is Allowed Without a Permit?

According to the ordinance, you do not need a permit for certain low-hazard novelty items. These include:

• Sparklers: Wire or wood stick sparklers under 36 inches long and under 0.25 inches in diameter, as long as they do not contain magnesium, chlorate, or perchlorate.
• Fountains: Ground-based cylindrical fountains (under 100 grams total weight) and cone fountains (under 75 grams total weight) that only emit sparks and smoke.
• Smoke Devices: Items that emit smoke, have no external flame, and do not leave the ground.
• Novelties: Toy snakes (mercury-free), model rocket engines, and confetti or streamer sprayers containing less than one-quarter grain of explosive mixture.

Safety and Liability Rules

• Parental Liability: Parents and legal guardians are legally liable for damages caused by a minor using fireworks with their consent.
• Public Displays: It is illegal to use regular consumer fireworks or novelty items (like sparklers or smoke devices) while attending a public, permitted fireworks display.
• Storage Rules: For anyone handling or selling fireworks, smoking is strictly prohibited where they are stored. Fireworks cannot be stored within 500 feet of a home, public gathering, or gas station.

Let’s work together to keep Merrillan safe this holiday week.

If you have any questions, please let the Village office know. You can read the full ordinance online here: https://merrillanwi.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Title-7-Chapter-6-Regulation-and-Licensing-of-Fireworks.pdf