Four Fireworks Citations Issued During July 4: Plainfield Police

PLAINFIELD, IL — Four fireworks citations were issued during the July Fourth weekend in the village, according to the latest reports from the Plainfield Police Department. While three were issued against Plainfield residents, one was against a Romeoville native.

The Village of Plainfield's Fireworks and Explosive Ordinance states, "No person shall manufacture, sell, keep for sale, possess, use, discharge or set off within the limits of the village any rocket, firecracker, torpedo, squib or other fireworks or anything containing any substance of an explosive nature."

Unless otherwise authorized by the village, the holding of public fireworks displays are also prohibited. Authorization for a public fireworks display is only provided by the Plainfield Fire Protection District.

Among the four, two received administrative tickets — the provides an individual with the opportunity to pay an administrative fine to the village and avoid appearing in court for the violation — and the other two got notices to appear in court.

In 2017, Plainfield police warned that anyone who was caught with fireworks could get a $100 fine and have their fireworks confiscated. Also in 2017, a resident of Joliet with a Plainfield mailing address wound up with a $500 fine after police found bottle rockets at his home.

In a 2016 news release, police chief John Konopek had said the department was "enforcing a zero tolerance policy," and had suggested residents attend public sponsored fireworks displays and leave the handling of explosives to professionals.

However, this year, the Plainfield Park District's Patriotic Picnic and Fireworks was canceled due to the pandemic and related safety guidelines. The village usually celebrates Independence Day on July 3 with this event that has parades and various other entertainment options such as fireworks, dance camps and bike decoration.

According to the National Fire Protection Association fireworks started an estimated 19,500 fires in 2018, including 1,900 structure fires, 500 vehicle fires, and 17,100 outside and other fires. The fires were caused by a combination of commercial, consumer and novelty fireworks.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal's 2019 Seasonal Fireworks Injury Report states during June 23- July 20 last year, 56 healthcare facilities in Illinois reported 126 people were injured and one person was killed by fireworks. Comparatively, 44 hospitals reported 134 injuries during the same seasonal period in 2018.

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