Champaign, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 13-22 of the Champaign Municipal Code makes it unlawful for any person to possess, store, offer for sale, expose for sale, sell at retail, use or explode fireworks anywhere in the city, unless the Fire Chief has issued rules and a current permit authorizing a supervised public display. Section 13-21 defines "fireworks" broadly to include firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bombs, toy cannons using explosives, and any device containing an explosive compound, but carves out auto flares, snake or glow-worm pellets, smoke devices, trick noisemakers such as "party poppers," "booby traps" and "snappers," and sparklers weighing no more than 100 grams per item.

The ordinance is explicit that other sparkling devices commonly called "fountains," "spinners" or "wheels" are not treated as sparklers and remain fully banned. Anyone who wants to stage a supervised display, such as a fair, amusement park, or governmental fireworks show, must apply to the Fire Chief at least 15 days before the event under Section 13-23, disclosing the display location, method of explosion, and the types and quantities of fireworks to be used. Section 13-24 requires the applicant to post a $50,000 surety bond covering damage from the display, and Section 13-25 gives the Fire Chief 21 days to approve the application or it is deemed denied.

Operators and workers at an approved display are barred from smoking near the display materials under Section 13-26, and Section 13-27 requires unfired fireworks and display debris to be disposed of safely and immediately afterward.