Oshkosh residents are advised to buy only legal fireworks. What to know ahead of July 4.
The Oshkosh Police Department said in a June news release officers will be inspecting local dealers and stores to ensure illegal fireworks are not being sold to people who do not possess permits to buy those fireworks.
OPD said officers also will respond to fireworks complaints 'to determine if a violation has occurred.'
'Fireworks may be enjoyable, but they can also cause distress to many in our community, especially those with PTSD or noise sensitivities,' OPD said. 'Loud explosions can also have a negative effect on pets, causing them undue stress and potential harm.'
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Stacker.com estimates consumer fireworks are a $1.9 billion industry in the U.S. as more Americans commemorate holidays like Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Veterans Day by setting off firecrackers and bottle rockets.
But Chapter 13 Section 13-6 (C) of Oshkosh's municipal codes states 'no person may sell, possess or use fireworks, as that term is defined by Section 167.10(1) of the Wisconsin Statutes as may be amended from time to time, within the City; except that the use of fireworks may be allowed by appropriate permit issued by the fire chief.'
Risk of injuries and property damage are also reasons for the city's restrictions on fireworks.
According to Wisconsin Emergency Management, fireworks-related injuries in the state resulted in 126 emergency room visits in 2024, with a quarter of those being children younger than 18.
In October, the Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office said a 41-year-old man was hospitalized after fireworks exploded and severely damaged his left hand as he was using a power tool to disassemble it.
Residents are advised to call 911 in case of an emergency. Non-emergency numbers are 920-236-5700 for the city of Oshkosh and 920-236-7300 for Winnebago County.
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The following fireworks are legal in Oshkosh:
Sparklers
Stationary cones
Toy snakes
Smoke bombs
Caps
Noise makers
Confetti poppers (with less than one-half grain of explosive)
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Roman candles
Firecrackers
Bottle rockets
Mortars
Anything that explodes or leaves the ground (only individuals/groups with a government-issued permit are allowed to use these fireworks)
Fines for juveniles are as follow:
First offense: $105
Second offense: $155
Third offense: $505
Fines for adults are as follow:
First offense: $295
Second offense: $421
Third offense: $1,397.50
Contact Justin Marville at jmarville@gannett.com and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) at @justinmarville.
This article originally appeared on Oshkosh Northwestern: Fireworks in Oshkosh: What's legal and not legal in Winnebago County?
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