Photo: WDIO-TV

From WDIO-TV - June 30, 2021

As the holiday weekend approaches, the sound of fireworks at night has become a common occurrence. However, depending on where you live, some of these may be illegal. 

In Minnesota, anything that emits sparks is fine. Anything that explodes or launches into the sky, however, is illegal. Just across the bridge in Wisconsin, the laws are different. This enables Minnesota residents to buy fireworks that may not be legal where they live. 

Using illegal fireworks in Minnesota can result in a misdemeanor as well as a one thousand dollar fine. That said, even legal fireworks can be dangerous. Duluth Fire Department Deputy Chief of Life Safety Jon Otis cautions everyone to be careful regardless of the type of firework.

"Fireworks, sparklers in particular, can burn at 1200 degrees. So that's hot enough to cause an instant third degree burn on somebody's skin if you touch it or step on it,” Otis said. “So be safe with your fireworks, have a way of putting them out. Just pay attention to what's going on and if you see something, call it in."

To see the original report and read relate stories, follow this link to the WDIO-TV website. https://www.wdio.com/duluth-minnesota-news/firework-regulations-minnesota-wisconsin/6157040/