SOUTH BELOIT — With Independence Day celebrations underway, the South Beloit Fire and Police Departments are urging residents to follow Illinois fireworks laws and local ordinances to prevent injuries, fires, and property damage.
Illinois maintains some of the nation’s strictest fireworks regulations. Only small novelty items — including sparklers, snakes, party poppers, smoke devices, and trick noisemakers — are legal for general public use. Officials noted that even sparklers can burn at temperatures exceeding 1,200 to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to cause severe burns.
Most consumer fireworks remain prohibited in Illinois, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, mortars, and reloadable fireworks. Municipalities may allow permitted displays only when strict state and local requirements are met…