Fire Chief: Leave Fireworks to the Professionals

Most fireworks are illegal in Whitefish Bay, but in addition to legal ramifications, there are also heightened safety risks with launching fireworks this year, given the dry conditions.

Because of the long stretch of dry, hot weather we've experienced recently, North Shore Fire Department Chief Robert Whitaker said the fire department is watching the weather reports and hoping for a little rain before the Fourth of July.

With coming up Wednesday, Whitaker said he has asked the event organizers to consider taking extra precautions to ensure their “fall-out areas” are as safe as possible.

"The fireworks display in Whitefish Bay is normally shot over the lake, so the wind plays a significant role in where the debris falls," he said. "A wind out of the west is a completely different story than a wind out of the east."

Fireworks that leave the ground are generally illegal in Whitefish Bay. Other items, such as sparklers, cones, snakes and other fireworks that stay on the ground are OK to use on private property – but not in parks.

With the dangers of dry weather, Whitaker said it is important that people leave fireworks to the professionals.

"While this is our message every year, it is even more important this year with the dry conditions," he said.

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