Chief says proper safety precautions are a necessity with weekend’s festivities
By Kellen Olshefski
Editor
With fireworks playing a large role in Fourth of July celebrations nationwide, City of Elkhorn Police Chief Joel Christensen said Monday police are aiming for a fun, but safe and legal, holiday weekend.
With July 4 falling on a Friday this year, Christensen said he doesn’t expect to see as many fireworks complaints as in years passed.
“We probably won’t see as many as we have in the past when it’s during the week and then also you have events and displays happening on the weekends before and after,” he said. “So, we will see most of our concerns over the weekend.”
When it comes to fireworks laws and regulation, Christensen said the police department essentially follows what is allowed under Wisconsin State Statute 167.10.
Under the statutes, anything manufactured, processed or packaged for the sole purpose of exploding, emitting sparks or combustion is considered illegal without proper permit from the municipality.
However, the statute grants exceptions for toy snakes not containing mercury, cone and cylindrical fountains and novelty devices that spin or move on the ground. The statute also exempts sparklers less than 36 inches in length, devices used to create audible and/or visual effects, smoke bombs and confetti poppers, providing they have less than one-quarter grain of explosive mixture.
According to Christensen, in prepping for the holiday, the city ensures that fireworks dealers in the city limits are selling only what is legal for Elkhorn residents to use.
“We have inspected those as part of their licensing, so what you see at the stands that are setting up around town is what you’re going to be able to display,” he said.
In addition, Christensen said officers are reminded of what types of devices are permitted, as people often bring back fireworks while traveling.
Though fines for up to $1,000 are allowed under the state statute, Christensen said in the City of Elkhorn, a first time offense will cost violators $114, $177 for the second and $303 for every subsequent violation.
With safety being a concern with any explosive or combustible device, though Christensen said fireworks related injuries have been uncommon in Elkhorn, he noted the importance of taking precautionary safety measures while displaying fireworks.
“Make sure there is always an adult supervising and if children are permitted to do it, they’re of the appropriate age,” he said. “Be cognizant of your neighbors and always have water readily available so that if something bad was to happen, you have a source there.
“Be safe and enjoy the holiday.”
