NEW ULM — July Fourth celebrants should be aware of law changes last year regarding what fireworks are legal and which ones are not.

“We want everybody to be safe and have fun, but anything that flies or explodes like a firecracker or cherry bomb is illegal,” said New Ulm Fire Chief Paul Macho.

Illegal fireworks in Minnesota include any size firecrackers, any fireworks that explode or are aerial like bottle rockets, missile-type rockets, Roman candles, aerial shells, theatrical pyrotechnics and others.

Individuals caught with illegal fireworks could face misdemeanor charges and fines of up to $3,000, depending on the amount of illegal fireworks in their possession. Law enforcement may seize illegal fireworks.

New Ulm Police Commander Dean Barstad he expects fireworks activity to increase as July Fourth approaches.

“We haven’t encountered any illegal fireworks yet. We have encountered it occasionally in the past. We get reports from people in the community about people lighting off illegal fireworks. We’ll go and address it to the best of our abilities, but often by the time we arrive, the behavior is done,” he said.

Barstad said a New Ulm youth suffered a “significant” hand injury due to fireworks a few years ago.

Legal fireworks include wire or wood sparklers, cylindrical and cone fountains, illuminating torch wheels, ground spinners, sparklers, and novelty items like snakes, glow worms, smoke devices, paper streamers, party poppers, string poppers, snappers, drop pops. They are not permitted on public property.

There have been two fireworks-related deaths in Minnesota since 2019, according to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. There have been 132 fireworks-related injuries since 2019.

Fireworks safety tips include pointing fireworks away from people and animals, using them in an open area away from trees and houses, extinguishing and disposing of spent fireworks in a bucket of water. Do not try to relight a dud. Always use caution around fireworks and ensure children are supervised.

For more information, visit https://minnesotanow.net/minnesota-fireworks-law/