Fireworks Are Illegal In Skokie, Police Warn

SKOKIE, IL — In advance of Independence Day celebrations, Skokie police warned the community that any use of fireworks in the village is illegal and can lead to a citation.

According to the village's illegal fireworks ordinance, all fireworks including sparklers, Roman candles, firecrackers, skyrockets and other explosives are not allowed. If community members are caught using fireworks, the Skokie Police Department may issue a citation for Unlawful Possession or Discharge of Fireworks.

"Please, consider using safer alternatives to fireworks, such as glow sticks or colored streamers," police said in a statement.

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission's Fireworks Annual Report for 2023, there were eight deaths and 9,700 fireworks-related injuries treated in emergency rooms throughout the country that year.

Of those injuries, 800 were caused by firecrackers and 700 by sparklers. According to the data, teenagers aged 15 to 19 years old have the highest estimated rate of emergency-department treated, fireworks-related injuries.

Many people are affected by the sounds or visuals of fireworks, including military veterans who might have post-traumatic stress disorder and children with autism. Pets are also known to be impacted by fireworks, with runaways reported more on the Fourth of July than any other time of the year, according to Home Again pet recovery.

Local officials encouraged the community to report fireworks violations by texting the Skokie Police Department at 226787 or calling the non-emergency line at 847-982-5900. Community members should only call 911 if a person has been injured by fireworks or if a firework lands on a building or wooded area.