Fireworks that 'fly or go boom' not legal

Folks setting off noisy late-night fireworks in the city of Cloquet are likely breaking two laws: Minnesota state statute 624.20 and the city’s noise ordinance.

“The short version is anything that gets launched into the air and/or goes ‘boom’ is unlawful,” Cloquet police chief Derek Randall said.

The police chief said late-night fireworks have been an issue this year, one he expects to increase as we draw closer to the July Fourth holiday.

“We’re probably seeing an increase now just because of people not going in crowds, staying at home doing their own little shows,” he said. “Plus the bigger shows, run by municipalities have been canceled.”

Cloquet is not alone. The Washington Post wrote about the surge in late-night fireworks scaring “the bejesus out of every dog in the neighborhood,” not to mention sleeping children and homeowners.

Minnesota state statute allows possession and use of certain non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks (such as sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, and novelty items such as snakes and party poppers), but it does not allow use of “anything that flies or explodes” for use by other than a certified fireworks operator. The Minnesota list of illegal fireworks includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, Roman candles and any mortars and shells.

Randall said local sellers of fireworks that set up in places like the Super One parking lot follow state guidelines, but Wisconsin laws are different.

“Being that we’re so close to Wisconsin, it’s pretty common for people to go over and buy the big stuff,” Randall said. “Unfortunately, as we get closer to around the Fourth of July, it’s really difficult for us to put a stop to all of them because of how many people are shooting off fireworks.”