Fireworks Laws & Safety

Fireworks are a significant cause of forest fires each year in Wisconsin. Restricted fireworks (described below) are much more likely to cause a forest fire or injury because of their erratic and unpredictable behavior. Since many of the restricted fireworks are of the airborne variety, often the wildfire ignition can be well away from the site that the fireworks are being used.

Fireworks Laws

• It is unlawful to possess or use restricted fireworks without a permit from the town chairman or village president. These permits are only issued to groups or organizations and restrict the use of fireworks to a certain time and place. It is unlawful to sell restricted fireworks to someone who does not posses a valid permit.
• Restricted fireworks are defined as those that move, jump, explode or emit balls of fire and include such types as bottle rockets, firecrackers, jumping jacks and roman candles.
• State of Wisconsin’s State Statute on Fireworks [exit DNR]: rules and regulations.

Fireworks Safety Tips

• Use legal fireworks outdoors only in a clear area away from buildings, vehicles and shrubbery.
• Have water handy.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• When children are present, always have close adult supervision and never give fireworks to small children.
• Follow instructions and use common sense.
• Don't experiment with homemade fireworks and never attempt to re-light dud fireworks.

DNR Fireworks Safety brochure [PDF 1400KB]
National council on fireworks safety [exit DNR].