Fireworks in Champaign: What to know

Champaign, IL Mayor Deborah Feinen determined last year that Champaign’s “No Fireworks” ordinance would be strictly enforced. So far, there is nothing to suggest that 2024 will be any different this upcoming July.  

Champaign’s city ordinance prohibits people from setting up most types of fireworks, with the limited exception of sparklers and smoke bombs. Those who can acquire the proper licensure can use larger and more explosive fireworks, many of which we see on display in the night sky at our local fireworks show every year.1 

Financial Penalties 

To avoid fines, it would thus be wise for Champaign residents to avoid setting off illegal fireworks in celebration of the Fourth of July or for the celebration of any event for that matter.

According to the Champaign Police Department, a minimum $205.00 fine will be issued to anyone who is in possession, uses, or sells illegal fireworks – these generally consist of fireworks that have to be lit by a wick and/or fire up into the air.2 

Safety Tips 

In the event you are to purchase fireworks elsewhere – perhaps in the neighboring state of Iowa where most types of fireworks and their use are legal – there are several safety tips to contemplate before lighting off those colorful explosives. 

• Do not relight a firework that did not shoot off after lighting it. These are often referred to as “duds.” Put the firework out with water and dispose of it in a safe place. 
• Wear safety glasses if you are in charge of lighting fireworks.  
• Be sure to have an accessible ready-to-use water source nearby, whether that be a bucket of water or a water hose. A fire extinguisher would also work. 
• Do not allow young children to hold sparklers, at least not without close supervision. Sparklers may reach up to 1,800 to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause significant harm, even though they look fairly innocent compared to most fireworks.  
• Make sure to carefully read all labels on each and every firework you light off. Different fireworks may have different instructions. Fireworks also often have their own set time before launch, so you do not want to ever get too comfortable with them.3 

Potential Changes in the Future 

Illinois State Senator Chapin Rose has discussed his support for legalizing fireworks in Illinois in the past. Last year, Rose stated, “It’s another reason to go across state lines and spend your money and pay taxes in some other state … I mean, it’s always been just absolutely ridiculous that every state around us is making money, putting people to work, paying taxes and everything else.

You know, often Illinois people travel to Missouri, Indiana Wisconsin, etc.” In this context, Rose was still referring to small, less powerful fireworks like bottle rockets and Roman candles, leaving commercial-grade fireworks to be excluded.4 

With Iowa legalizing most fireworks in recent years, it is true that the states surrounding Illinois allow the sale of fireworks. It is reasonable to believe that many people may be hopping state lines to buy fireworks just to return home to Illinois to set them off.

No matter what happens with Illinois fireworks laws going forward, the people of Champaign and across the state of Illinois should still stay up to date on local ordinances and proper safety procedures.