With the Fourth of July fast approaching, the Aurora police and fire departments are warning residents they are cracking down on illegal fireworks throughout the city.
The city updated its fireworks ordinance in 2021, allowing the city to hold the owner or person in control liable for allowing people to use fireworks on their property. People can also be given a citation for using or possessing fireworks, officials said.
Fines for violating the fireworks ordinance start at $250 and can run up to $1,000, officials said. Repeat offenders can face even higher fines.
Even fireworks that don’t explode in the sky, like small fountains, tanks, roman candles, ground spinners, small smoke bombs, firecrackers and bottle rockets are unlawful, police said.
Residents are allowed to use small novelty fireworks like snakes, glow worm pellets, sparklers and smoke devices, according to officials.
Residents are encouraged to report fireworks violations through the city’s website aurora-il.org/formcenter/mayors-office-22/report-fireworks-184 or by calling 630-256-4636.
Aurora Fire Marshal Christopher Temes said there were quite a few reports of people using illegal fireworks in Aurora last year, with some fireworks confiscated by the city.
Aurora Fire Department officials said fireworks started 12,264 fires in 2021 in the United States. The fires caused 29 people to be injured and $59 million in property damage, they said.
Police are encouraging residents to instead enjoy the city’s fireworks show Monday beginning at 9:15 p.m. in Aurora. City officials said the best places to watch the fireworks are RiverEdge Park, 360 N. Broadway, and McCullough Park, 150 W. Illinois Ave.