Committee Backs Crackdown on Illegal Fireworks
The Common Council’s Public Safety and Health Committee today recommended passage of File #260551, an illegal fireworks enforcement ordinance authored by Alderman Peter Burgelis and cosponsored by Alderpersons Larresa Taylor, Mark Chambers Jr., and Sharlen P. Moore. The measure will go before the full Common Council on October 13.
The proposal would align Milwaukee’s definition of fireworks with state law and make owners, occupants, and others in control of private property responsible when they permit unlawful fireworks activity on that property.
“Neighbors should not have to spend their summer nights wondering whether the next explosion will start a fire,” Alderman Burgelis said. “This proposal gives MPD another tool to address illegal fireworks in the City.”
Milwaukee police recorded 461 dispatched fireworks calls in 2025, up from 261 in 2022. Yet just 23 fireworks citations were issued in 2025. From January 1 through July 6 of this year, police recorded another 310 dispatched calls and issued 10 citations.
The risks extend beyond noise. The Milwaukee Fire Chief Aaron Lipski identified three structure fires likely caused by fireworks during its July 3 and July 4 shifts this year and reported dozens of fireworks-related emergency medical responses.
“Fireworks complaints are persistent, and the potential consequences are serious,” Alderman Burgelis said. “Residents deserve a practical response that protects their neighborhoods and holds people accountable for activity they permit on their property.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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