Wisconsin Fireworks Permit Rules Often Ignored, According To Law Enforcement

Some local law enforcement officials say they have their hands full trying to enforce the state’s fireworks laws, because many of the items sold at Wisconsin fireworks stands are illegal to use without a special permit.

According to a state Department of Justice memo, “a permit is required if the device explodes or leaves the ground” and it has to be “issued by a mayor, a village president or a town chair.”

While explosive devices and aerial displays are being sold at some stands in Lincoln County, Sheriff’s Department Lt. Tim Fischer said people who buy them need to understand the law.

“If you’re going to purchase those types of fireworks, you’re going to need to contact your town chairman, as he’s the only person who can issue a legal permit to set off the fireworks,” Fischer said. “We ask that you drop off or mail your permit to the sheriff’s office so we’re aware that you have one in the event complaints do come in.”

According to Portage County Sheriff Nick Lukas, even if residents get a permit, it doesn’t mean they can shoot the fireworks off anywhere.

“The permits have a specific location and a specific time,” he said, “so you can’t have multiple dates, multiple times, multiple locations.”

Lukas said there aren’t a lot of places to buy the bigger fireworks in Portage County, but people bring them in from other locations, leaving his department with a law enforcement problem.

“We don’t have the resources to go around to every person that’s shooting off fireworks at this time of year,” he said, but the department cracks down hard if activity continues after July 4.