City of Milwaukee: Fourth of July fireworks in Milwaukee parks will go on; safety is the first priority
6/29/2012

Jeff Fleming, 414-286-8580

Fourth of July fireworks in Milwaukee parks will go on; safety is the first priority

Fireworks in Milwaukee parks are a longstanding tradition celebrating Independence Day. Even with the dry conditions this year, our pyrotechnic displays are scheduled to go on.

Working with the Department of City Development, Milwaukee’s Department of Neighborhood Services takes a proactive approach and follows National Fire Protection Association guidelines when it comes to the City’s fireworks displays.

With Milwaukee’s current dry weather, a special operations plan has been put in place to ensure a safe Independence Day. Neighborhood Milwaukee County Parks in the City with fireworks displays on the 4th will have one or two inspectors on duty. They are trained and have the authority to ensure public safety.

There will be ongoing communication with Milwaukee Police and Fire Departments, and local volunteer groups have been gathered to help serve as spotters. Protective snow fences are in place to keep the public out of the launch area, and people attending the fireworks exhibitions are asked to stay back from the orange fencing. All launch areas have fire extinguishers and access to water.

While the state Department of Natural Resources has rated the dry conditions in southeastern Wisconsin as severe, conditions in parks in the City of Milwaukee are rated moderate.

Individuals in Milwaukee can increase safety in the parks this Fourth of July by following local ordinances. All fireworks are illegal in the City of Milwaukee, except those explicitly licensed by the City. Particularly with our dry conditions, sparklers, firecrackers and other fireworks are real safety concerns. Also, people attending local park celebrations must park legally in authorized parking spaces; this will help assure that police and fire departments can quickly respond to any emergency.

City-sponsored fireworks displays will take place starting at 9:15 pm on Wednesday, July 4, 2012. Alcott Park will have a ground display; aerial displays are scheduled for Gordon, Humboldt, Jackson, Lake, Mitchell, Noyes, Washington, and Wilson Parks.