Winnebago County, IL Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Illinois fireworks law is governed by the Pyrotechnic Use Act (425 ILCS 35), which replaced the older Fireworks Regulation Act and is enforced by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal. Per the statute, 'consumer fireworks' (those classified by the U.S. Department of Transportation as UN0336 or UN0337, division 1.4G or 1.4S) are illegal for individual use - this category includes firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, mortars, aerial repeaters, and most devices sold across state lines in Indiana, Wisconsin, and Missouri. The Act expressly excludes from the definition of consumer fireworks (and therefore allows): snake or glow worm pellets; smoke devices; trick noisemakers known as 'party poppers,' 'booby traps,' 'snappers,' 'trick matches,' 'cigarette loads,' and 'auto burglar alarms'; sparklers; toy pistols, toy canes, toy guns, or other devices using paper or plastic caps containing 0.25 grains or less of explosive compound. The statute states the sale and use of these excluded items 'shall be permitted at all times' unless a municipality bans them. Public fireworks displays require a state Pyrotechnic Display Permit issued by the Office of the State Fire Marshal under 425 ILCS 35 with a licensed operator. Winnebago County does not maintain a separate county fireworks ordinance - state law preempts most local action in unincorporated areas. The City of Rockford prohibits the discharge of all fireworks within city limits (including consumer fireworks that would be illegal anyway and, in many cases, sparklers near other people or structures). Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockton, Roscoe, and South Beloit each have their own fireworks ordinances; many ban sparkler sales or limit use to private property. Crossing into Illinois with consumer fireworks bought in Indiana or Wisconsin is a separate offense.