McLean County, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Chapter 209 of the McLean County Code makes it "unlawful for any person to display or allow to be displayed consumer fireworks and/or display fireworks in the unincorporated areas of McLean County without a permit" (§ 209-2). 3G/display fireworks are allowed only after the sponsor files an application at least 15 days before the event identifying the sponsor, exact location, date and time, and the licensed lead pyrotechnic operator supervising the show. The application must carry a certificate of insurance showing at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage, a current copy of the operator's state license, and a written approval letter or permit from the fire chief covering the display site.

Consumer fireworks displays follow a parallel track: the operator running the show must have completed a State Fire Marshal-approved training class, the sponsor carries at least $100,000 per occurrence in liability coverage, and the applicant undergoes a criminal background check. Permits for both display types are issued by the McLean County Clerk once the requirements are met, are non-transferable, and are limited to the specific event and location approved. No permit is required for supervised displays put on by state or county fair associations. The county also adopts NFPA 1123 and 1126 guidelines and the State Fire Marshal's list of approved consumer fireworks by reference. Because this is a county ordinance, it governs only the unincorporated area; Bloomington and Normal enforce their own municipal fireworks rules inside city limits.