MONROE - A state statute meant to explain the definition of fireworks and where they can be used also limits the ability of city representatives who may wish to place stricter enforcement on those illegally setting off celebratory explosions.
On June 6, former alderman Reid Stangel discussed fireworks safety with the Public Safety Committee. Stangel said a conversation surrounding what could be done to make the community safer had occurred nearly a year ago, but no changes had been made. He told the committee about an incident during Independence Day in 2016, when what Stangel described as a bottle rocket went off in his neighborhood, narrowly missing his grandson and damaging a vehicle inside his garage.
Committee member Chris Beer said the sounds of fireworks could already be heard throughout Monroe. Other members and Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said they had also noticed people had begun celebrating early.
"Every year, I notice they tend to push the boundary a little bit further," Beer said.
According to a Wisconsin statute, fireworks are anything created for no other common use than "exploding, emitting sparks or combustion" and that a permit is needed in order to sell fireworks within the state. Only municipalities and non-Wisconsin residents can buy fireworks under the law and non-residents cannot set off fireworks within the state unless they remain within the municipality that approved the permit. Monroe chooses not to distribute permits.
"Basically, if it explodes, flies in the air or shoots out anything other than sparks, it's not allowed," Kelley said. "The city doesn't give out permits to private residents now, and I don't anticipate that changing any time soon."
The Monroe Police Department inspects fireworks stands within city limits. Only small items like party poppers or sparklers can be sold. A conviction for selling illegal items can range from $500 to $1,000 as well as confiscation of the property. Residents caught with illegal fireworks face fines of $175 for violating the city ordinance, Kelley said. If they are used by a child, a parent can be fined up to $1,000 and be liable for any damage caused by the child's use of fireworks.
Cities cannot alter from the stipulations in state law. Monroe city code adopts the state statute. Kelley said in a press release and at the committee meeting that the ordinance mirrors the statute. Local officials have no means to make the law any more stringent.
Kelley also noted that enforcement of illegal use can be difficult. Not only does a punishment not "necessarily stop people," he said, but that the use of illegal fireworks is hard to identify. Fireworks only last a few moments. The location of their launch or general use is hard to see from far away. Unless you're nearby when they go off, Kelley said it is hard to correctly fine those responsible.
"The problem is that often when you get there, what has been shot off is already shot off," Kelley said. "You have to catch them with the fireworks."
He added that the city has already received complaints, and as a result will be enforcing the law in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and those after the holiday. Kelley encouraged any member of the public who hears fireworks going off to contact the police department.
"I know people think they're fun, and they don't see the downside of it," Kelley said. "But you know, stuff can happen."
Fireworks, illegal and otherwise, will not be allowed at Twining Park during the Fourth of July celebration display due to safety issues. Items legal to own but still prohibited in the park are sparklers, party poppers and sparkling cones.
On June 6, former alderman Reid Stangel discussed fireworks safety with the Public Safety Committee. Stangel said a conversation surrounding what could be done to make the community safer had occurred nearly a year ago, but no changes had been made. He told the committee about an incident during Independence Day in 2016, when what Stangel described as a bottle rocket went off in his neighborhood, narrowly missing his grandson and damaging a vehicle inside his garage.
Committee member Chris Beer said the sounds of fireworks could already be heard throughout Monroe. Other members and Monroe Police Chief Fred Kelley said they had also noticed people had begun celebrating early.
"Every year, I notice they tend to push the boundary a little bit further," Beer said.
According to a Wisconsin statute, fireworks are anything created for no other common use than "exploding, emitting sparks or combustion" and that a permit is needed in order to sell fireworks within the state. Only municipalities and non-Wisconsin residents can buy fireworks under the law and non-residents cannot set off fireworks within the state unless they remain within the municipality that approved the permit. Monroe chooses not to distribute permits.
"Basically, if it explodes, flies in the air or shoots out anything other than sparks, it's not allowed," Kelley said. "The city doesn't give out permits to private residents now, and I don't anticipate that changing any time soon."
The Monroe Police Department inspects fireworks stands within city limits. Only small items like party poppers or sparklers can be sold. A conviction for selling illegal items can range from $500 to $1,000 as well as confiscation of the property. Residents caught with illegal fireworks face fines of $175 for violating the city ordinance, Kelley said. If they are used by a child, a parent can be fined up to $1,000 and be liable for any damage caused by the child's use of fireworks.
Cities cannot alter from the stipulations in state law. Monroe city code adopts the state statute. Kelley said in a press release and at the committee meeting that the ordinance mirrors the statute. Local officials have no means to make the law any more stringent.
Kelley also noted that enforcement of illegal use can be difficult. Not only does a punishment not "necessarily stop people," he said, but that the use of illegal fireworks is hard to identify. Fireworks only last a few moments. The location of their launch or general use is hard to see from far away. Unless you're nearby when they go off, Kelley said it is hard to correctly fine those responsible.
"The problem is that often when you get there, what has been shot off is already shot off," Kelley said. "You have to catch them with the fireworks."
He added that the city has already received complaints, and as a result will be enforcing the law in the days leading up to the Fourth of July and those after the holiday. Kelley encouraged any member of the public who hears fireworks going off to contact the police department.
"I know people think they're fun, and they don't see the downside of it," Kelley said. "But you know, stuff can happen."
Fireworks, illegal and otherwise, will not be allowed at Twining Park during the Fourth of July celebration display due to safety issues. Items legal to own but still prohibited in the park are sparklers, party poppers and sparkling cones.