West Cook News

Riverside Public Safety has issued a reminder to the community regarding the possession and use of illegal fireworks as Independence Day approaches. In Illinois, and specifically within the Village of Riverside, most fireworks are prohibited with exceptions for sparklers, smoke devices, snakes, or glow worm pellets.

Residents are urged to be considerate of their neighbors and neighborhood pets, as fireworks can produce loud noises, bright flashes, smoke, and burning smells that may cause anxiety and distress.

The Riverside Police Department will enforce fireworks laws proactively this year. "Any individual using professional-grade fireworks or any other fireworks in a dangerous manner towards other people or other people’s property will be cited under Riverside’s fireworks ordinance."

The legal items permitted in Illinois include sparklers, some small-cap guns, snake or glow worm pellets, smoke devices, trick noisemakers such as party poppers, booby traps, snappers, and trick matches. The public is advised to exercise caution when using these items and to have a bucket of water and hose available in case of emergencies.

Fireworks present significant safety concerns. Annually, more than 31,000 fires are reported to be started by fireworks. Burns account for 38% of the 7,400 injuries treated in emergency rooms during the month around July 4th. Children younger than 15 years old represent 28% of estimated injuries from fireworks. Notably, sparklers are responsible for 29% of injuries among children under five years old treated in emergency rooms during this period.

For noise complaints related to illegal firework use, residents can contact the police non-emergency number at (708) 447-9191.