O’Fallon reminds residents that shooting, possessing fireworks is illegal

O’Fallon residents and visitors are reminded that when it comes to fireworks, it is illegal to buy, sell, possess, store and/or discharge fireworks within city limits.

The fireworks ban is set out in City Ordinance 215.690, which prohibits the possession and/or discharging of fireworks without a city permit. Those caught in violation of the ordinance can be ticketed and fined, and may have to appear in court.

“Our Police Department is making this an enforcement issue if the opportunity arises where the violator(s) can be identified, not only because fireworks can cause injury and disturb the peace, but because the area is so dry there’s a very serious risk of fire,” said Tom Drabelle, O’Fallon’s director of Communications. “We are asking citizens to help keep their neighborhoods safe by calling the police if they know of an address where fireworks are kept or if they see fireworks being discharged in city limits. It’s extremely important to provide an address so the officers can know where to respond.”

To report violations of the city’s fireworks ordinance, call the Police Department’s non-emergency hotline, 240-3200.

O’Fallon does not allow fireworks stands in the city, and some stands that appear to be within city limits are actually in small pockets of unincorporated St. Charles County. For inquiries or concerns about these stands, please call the county’s switchboard at 949-7900 or visit http://www.sccmo.org/Home/.

“Not only is it a safety issue, but this also is one of the biggest complaints that we receive from our residents,” Drabelle said. “Our residents have spoken loudly and clearly that they do not want fireworks in their neighborhoods. With this year’s drought it is even more important that we leave the fireworks to the professionals. So instead of wasting hundreds of dollars on home fireworks that can get you in serious trouble, just come out and watch the city’s spectacular fireworks displays put on by professionals on July 3 and 4.”