April 25, 2024
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Oswego police reminder: fireworks still illegal, punishable by fines

Handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets and more all outlawed under village ordinance

By Shea Lazansky

FILE PHOTO: Hand held fireworks are illegal under a village of Oswego's ordinance. (Fotolia) (Fotolia)

The Oswego Police Department has issued an annual reminder that fireworks remain illegal to set off or sell in the village.

In a June 16 statement, the department reminded residents of the fines for offenders and where they can find the village’s fireworks ordinance online.

Under the ordinance, a first offense that occurs between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. carries a fine of $250. A first offense between the hours of 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. carries a fine of $500. A second offense at any time of the day carries a fine of $750.

Illegal items include: handheld fireworks, bottle rockets, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, chasers, buzz bombs, helicopters, missiles, pin wheels and planes.

Residents are permitted to use novelty items such as snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, sparklers and trick noisemakers often called “party poppers”, “booby traps” and “snappers.”

According to the village’s ordinance, “Pyrotechnic” displays may only be conducted with a permit obtained from the village, and must be conducted with the services of a “licensed lead pyrotechnic operator and a licensed pyrotechnic distributor.”

“A licensed lead pyrotechnic operator shall be present during any pyrotechnic display and shall personally supervise all assistants, including all phases of the pyrotechnic display,” the ordinance reads. “The lead pyrotechnic operator must be in possession of and able to produce his or her license upon request at all times during the delivery, setup and performance of the display.”

Permits will only be issued by the village once certain conditions are met, including proof of liability insurance in a sum no less than $1 million, the date, location, beginning and end times of the display, and the names and addresses of all individuals operating the display. Permits will also not be issued until the Oswego Fire Protection District chief or a designated representative inspects the site of the display and deems that it is in accordance with the rules of the state fire marshal and will not be a cause of danger to property or persons.