MILWAUKEE, WI — As July 4 inches closer and major events get ready to set off fireworks, it's important to know what state law says about them. Many states have deregulated fireworks since the turn of the century and they're legal in most states, including Wisconsin.

According to state law, "fireworks" means anything made to explode, emit sparks or combust without any other common use. People can only sell fireworks to valid permit holders.

Wisconsin requires a permit to buy any firework that explodes or leaves the ground, the Wisconsin Department of Justice said in a statement. That includes mortars, firecrackers, Roman candles and bottle rockets.

The only type of "firework" residents can buy are things like sparklers less than 36 inches, cones and fountains, toy snakes, confetti poppers and devices that spin on the ground, the department added.

It's illegal to set off fireworks in any of Milwaukee County's municipalities, including the City of Milwaukee, then Milwaukee Common Council President Cavalier Johnson told WISN-12. Residents who set off fireworks that explode or leave the ground could see fines up to $1,000 depending on where they live.

Many states allow the setting off of fireworks in the days before and after major holidays, as the use of fireworks spread outside of Independence Day.

The permissive atmosphere around fireworks regulation isn't universal, though. In states that permit consumer fireworks, counties and cities may adopt stricter codes and ordinances. And in extreme drought or high-wind conditions, local fire officials may prohibit them.

But although consumer fireworks are allowed in Wisconsin, they may not be allowed in every city.

Despite a loosening of fireworks laws elsewhere, Massachusetts has clung to its decades-long ban on consumer fireworks. A move tried but failed to put fireworks before voters in a referendum on the upcoming midterm elections ballot.

The strictest fireworks laws are in California, according to a map and list of state fireworks laws curated by Reader's Digest. Ground and handheld sparkling devices, cylindrical and cone fountains, wheel and ground spinners, illuminating torches, and certain flitter sparklers are legal for anyone over 16 from noon June 28 through noon July 6.

Firecrackers, Roman candles, chasers, wire and wooden stick sparklers, and skyrockets are still illegal.

Indiana has some of the most lenient laws. Anyone 18 or older can purchase and use fireworks whenever they want, from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on non-holidays and later on holidays. All types of fireworks are legal as long as they meet U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission construction and labeling regulations.

Ohio is one of the latest states to ease restrictions on consumer fireworks. Effective July 1, Ohioans will be able to discharge fireworks as long as they do so while sober and in a safe manner.

States with stricter fireworks laws have cited data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that shows thousands of people are injured in fireworks-related accidents every year, with multiple deaths reported as well.

In 2019 — a normal, pre-pandemic year for fireworks displays — about 10,000 fireworks injuries were treated in hospital emergency rooms.

See Also: 4th Of July Fireworks Safety: How To Avoid Blowing Off Your Finger

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.