NOTICE FROM FIRE CHIEF MARCOTT AND POLICE CHIEF YATES:
Danville, June 30, 2023 – As Independence Day approaches and our community begins to celebrate July 4th, Danville Fire Chief Aaron Marcott reminds residents and visitors that fireworks can be dangerous and to please celebrate safely by leaving the fireworks to the experts.
To help in the prevention of injuries and property damage, if you choose to celebrate with legal fireworks, follow the safety tips below:
• Be sure you are using legal fireworks, such as sparklers. Remember, sparklers might seem like a safer alternative, however, they can heat up to 1,200?F. Do not allow children to use them without adult supervision.
• Generally, any firework that must be lit by a wick explodes and/or shoots into the air is illegal in the City of Danville.
• Use all fireworks outside, away from homes, people, trees, dry grass, and any other flammable substances.
• When handling fireworks, always have a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher nearby. • If injured by a firework, go to a doctor immediately. If it is an eye injury, do not rub the injury, as that may cause more damage. • The best way to prevent firework injuries is to avoid using them entirely. Attend public firework displays and leave the igniting to the professionals.
Residents are also reminded to maintain a working smoke alarm and to regularly practice a home escape plan in case of fire or other emergency.
Danville Police Chief Chris Yates adds that July 4 is a busy holiday for the Police Department and all first responders. The Danville Police Department asks for the citizens’ help in keeping each other safe, respecting others’ property, and complying with the laws of Illinois as well as the City Ordinances of Danville.
Fireworks pose additional risks beyond the obvious burns that cause injury and potential property damage due to fire. Every time the police are dispatched to a fireworks call, they are taken away from their regular duties of responding to and preventing crime as well as other needs of our citizens. The penalty for violating the City Ordinance of unauthorized display and use of fireworks is a minimum fine of $250.00 with a maximum of $1000.00.
Fining the members of our community for celebrating our nation’s independence is the last thing that the Danville Police Department wants to do, so please do not eliminate our options. We would rather your focus remain on friends, family, and entertainment. Please stay safe and help us out so we can all enjoy the special day.
