The Skokie Fire Department reminds the community to leave fireworks to the professionals. In 2017, at least eight people died and nearly 13,000 others were injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. While the majority of these incidents were due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, thousands were from less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers.
It is illegal for anyone other than a licensed operator to possess fireworks both locally and anywhere the State of Illinois, and the Skokie Police Department will enforce these laws.
The best way to stay safe from fireworks is not to use them!
To report problems in your neighborhood, call the Skokie Police Department at 847-982-5900. It is best to provide as specific a location for the illegal fireworks activity as possible.