The Oshkosh Fire Department released tips for how to safely — and legally — celebrate July 4 in Oshkosh.
Don’t throw a firework at your friend, and don’t light fireworks inside buildings: two firework safety tips Oshkosh residents probably already know.
But what fireworks can residents legally use? And how do they make sure they’re not one of the 13,000 Americans injured by fireworks each year?
The Oshkosh Fire Department offered a few helpful recommendations ahead of July 4.
Any firework that explodes or leaves the ground is illegal in Oshkosh. That includes firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles.
Residents can legally use sparklers shorter than 36 inches that don’t contain magnesium, chlorate or perchlorate; snakes that don't contain mercury; and cylinder and or cone fountains.
The fine for using illegal fireworks in Oshkosh is $232.
How can I tell if it’s illegal?
Read the packages to make sure the fireworks you buy don’t have these chemicals, Oshkosh Fire Battalion Chief Dan Mrochek said.
And the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives recommends you look at the packaging for a lack of labels or poor-quality construction.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.