Oshkosh police plan to crack down on fireworks. Here's what's legal and what's not.
Oshkosh Police Department said in a news release June 2 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 be responding 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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The statement comes ahead of the city's Independence Day celebrations, with July 4 being the day the most fireworks are purchased and used, according to Google trends analysis.
Stacker.com estimates consumer fireworks are a $1.9 billion industry in the U.S. as more Americans commemorate holidays like Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day and Juneteenth 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.'
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.
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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)
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; and
Third offense: $505.
Fines for adults are as follow:
First offense: $295;
Second offense: $421; and
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? What's the fine?
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