Madison County, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Chapter 51 of the Madison County Code makes it unlawful to knowingly possess, sell or use fireworks in the unincorporated county unless a permit has been granted for a consumer fireworks display or a pyrotechnic display. Applications go to the Building and Zoning Department at least 15 days before the event, with a copy sent to the Fire Chief covering the display site, and the permit fee is $25. A pyrotechnic display additionally requires $1,000,000 in liability insurance, identification of the pyrotechnic distributor, and a licensed lead pyrotechnic operator plus any adult assistants at least 18 years old.

A consumer fireworks display instead requires a training certificate approved by the State Fire Marshal and a site-inspection request to the local Fire Chief, and the firing point must sit at least 200 feet from spectators, buildings, structures and property lines with a fire extinguisher or water hose on hand. No permit is transferable, and a permit is issued only after the Fire Chief inspects the site and confirms compliance with State Fire Marshal rules; the Administrator of Building and Zoning and the Fire Chief must both sign it.

Permit holders must report any fire, injury or property damage over $500 to the county within 24 hours, and the county forwards that report to the State Fire Marshal within three days; the county keeps permit records for four years. Fireworks cannot be discharged within 600 feet of a hospital, asylum or infirmary, and novelty items like sparklers and party poppers are excluded from the ban entirely.