Fire Chief Wants Stronger Fireworks Ordinance

Fond du Lac Fire Chief Peter O’Leary would like to see the City’s fireworks ordinance strengthened. He discussed it with the City Council this week. The City has gotten complaints regarding the sale of large fireworks such as mortars that aren’t meant to be used in a residential neighborhood. O’Leary says mortars should be at least 500 to 1,000 feet away from another residence when they are used. Use of them could cause a house fire or even a death.  The problem is fireworks dealers have permits to sell in the City, but some of the fireworks they are selling are illegal to use. He says for the dealer it’s a quick sale and they fold up their tent and are gone because they have no vested interest in the City while he and the police department do.  He wants to make it “crystal clear” what can be sold and that the prohibition of illegal fireworks is upheld. City staff will come back to the Council with an amended ordinance for approval.