FOURTH OF JULY IS RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER
Keep Our Neighborhood Safe This 4th of July
Hello neighbors! Many residents of Birchwood Point and 1000 Oaks kindly ask that you celebrate without setting off fireworks at your house during the 4th of July. The number of neighbors shooting off firecrackers, roman candles, bottle rockets and mortars has increased over the last couple of years.
Most fireworks are actually illegal in the cities of Madison and Middleton. Anything that goes up in the air or has a fuse is illegal. According to the City of Madison’s website, the only legal “fireworks” in the city are sparklers, snakes, snaps, caps, and party poppers. (See below.)
More than that, though, fireworks can cause a variety of problems for many of us. The noise of fireworks so close to our homes can trigger PTSD in veterans, cause distress for kids and adults with sensitivity to loud sounds, scare babies and toddlers, and traumatize pets. Fireworks are a serious safety hazard - you can accidentally cause property damage, set fires, physically harm yourself or your kids, etc. And fireworks are actually really bad for the environment, causing both air and water pollution.
This year, please consider attending one of our awesome area events that are run by professionals. Don’t set off illegal fireworks in our neighborhood. This will help keep our neighborhood safe for all people and animals. Thank you!
2022 Firework Events:
https://madisonmom.com/4th-july-fireworks-madison-area/
34.5601 RECREATIONAL FIREWORKS. (Am. by ORD-14-00139, 8-13-14) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements found in IFC Chapter 56: (1) Recreational Fireworks means the following: (a) A cap containing not more than one-quarter (¼) grain of explosive mixture, if the cap is used or possessed or sold for use in a device which prevents direct body contact with a cap when it is in place for explosion. (b) A toy snake that contains no mercury. (c) A sparkler on a wire or wood stick not exceeding thirty-six (36) inches in length or one quarter (¼) inch in outside diameter which does not contain magnesium, chlorate or perchlorate. (d) A device designed to spray out paper confetti or streamers and which contains less than onequarter (¼) grain of explosive mixture. (e) A device designed to produce an audible sound but not explode, spark, move or emit an external flame after ignition and which does not exceed three (3) grams in total weight. (2) The following exceptions are additional exceptions to the requirements in IFC section 5601.1.3: The retail sales, storage, handling and use of recreational fireworks as specified in this section are permitted. (3) The following requirements are in addition to the requirements in IFC section 5601.2: (a) As specified in Sec. 34.105, MGO, a permit is required for the retail sales of recreational fireworks. (b) An application for a permit for the sales of recreational fireworks shall be made in writing at least thirty (30) days in advance of the sale or offer to sell, and shall specify: 1. The name and address of the permit holder; 2. The date on and after which sales or offers to sell shall be made; 3. The kind, quantity, and location of each device to be offered for sale. (4) Storage and Handling. The following requirements are in addition to the requirements in IFC section 5704.1: (a) A person who stores or handles fifty pounds (50 lbs) or more of recreational fireworks shall immediately notify the Chief of the location, description and quantity of the recreational fireworks. (b) No person may store recreational fireworks within one hundred (100) feet of a dwelling. (c) No person may store recreational fireworks within one hundred (100) feet of a public assemblage or place where gasoline or volatile liquid is sold in quantities exceeding one gallon. (5) The Chief may seize, at the expense of the owner of recreational fireworks that is stored, handled, sold, possessed or used by any person in violation of this code. Such seized products shall be destroyed after conviction for a violation and other returned to the owner. (Am. by ORD-13-00102, 6-12-13)
