Law enforcement gets many complaints this time of the year about loud, and often illegal, fireworks going off. An Oneida County Sheriff's Department spokesperson says a visit by law enforcement could cost you big dollars.
Captain Lloyd Gauthier from the Oneida County Sheriff's Department....
"....(Wisconsin law) has some things people should be aware of. A common rule of thumb is a permit is required if the device explodes or leaves the ground...."
Gauthier says it's also illegal to sell those types of fireworks that explode or leave the ground without a valid permit. A permit needs to be obtained from the mayor, village president or town chair where that person resides. A copy of that permit has to be given to law enforcement or the fire department 48 hours before use.
Failure to obtain a permit could result in a fine. He says if deputies are called they follow a procedure...
"....so we'll come to your house and ask for a permit. If you don't have a permit we'll tell you it's illegal to do that, give you a verbal warning and we'll leave. The problem becomes if we get further calls then we'll take what you have that is illegal and we'll write you a citation...."
The citation could cost you up to $1,000 for each violation says Gauthier. Gauthier says one thing to consider are returning veterans with PTSD who have problems when explosions are heard close to them.
