Kane County, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Kane County Code Chapter 10 governs fireworks in the unincorporated county. Section 10-16(A) prohibits any consumer fireworks display unless performed by a lead pyrotechnic operator licensed under the Illinois Pyrotechnic Operator Licensing Act, and every display service must come from a pyrotechnic distributor also licensed by the state. Section 10-16(B)(1) bans indoor pyrotechnic displays and indoor special effects fireworks outright and prohibits sparklers and the use of sparklers everywhere in the county. No fireworks may be discharged within 600 feet of any hospital, asylum or infirmary, and if the display site is on an island, no boat carrying spectators may come within 500 feet of the bank.

The County Board Chairman issues two permit types under Section 10-16(B)(2)-(3): a single-event, one-day permit ($100 nonrefundable fee under Section 10-20) and a multievent, one-year permit ($1,500 fee) for sporting facilities holding regularly scheduled events. Applications go to the Chairman in writing at least 15 days before the event, and the county must act within 48 hours. Every applicant must file proof of at least $1,000,000 in liability insurance and route the application through the local Fire Department or Fire Protection District, whose chief inspects the site for NFPA compliance.

the evening before local schools are in session, except around Memorial Day. Annual permits expire and renew each May 1 under Section 10-16(B)(6) and are not transferable under Section 10-19. Permit holders must report any fire, injury or property damage over $500 to the county within 24 hours under Section 10-18, and the county forwards serious incidents to the Illinois State Fire Marshal within three days.