Illinois could be expanding the field of legal fireworks

Posted on March 23, 2021
We’re talking about fountain-style sparklers that sit on the ground. HB 2898 has passed the House Consumer Protection Committee. (Facebook/Towanda IL 4th of July Celebration)

 

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could soon expand the list of which fireworks are legal.

We’re talking about fountain-style sparklers that sit on the ground.

“Everybody has a tendency to lean over the top of whatever they’re looking at,” said Brookfield fire chief Jim Adams, “and my fear is it will ignite and they will have a faceful of sparks,” said Adams.

After the bill’s sponsor, State Rep. Bob Rita (D-Blue Island), said 46 states have legalized the ground-based sparklers, Adams said, “One wrong doesn’t make it right, or, 46 rights don’t make a wrong, or — you know what I’m saying.”

Margaret Vaughn, who represents fire safety organizations, says lawmakers who vote for bills such as this are simply letting themselves be fooled.

HB 2898 has passed the House Consumer Protection Committee.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]

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