By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – The Fourth of July is a week away and the Bloomington Police Department wants to make sure everyone stays safe and legal while celebrating.

Police spokeswoman Sara Mayer said only certain fireworks are legal for citizens to use in the city. Those include sparklers; snake or blow worm pellets; smoke devices; trick noisemakers known as “party poppers,” “booby traps,” “snappers,” “trick matches,” “cigarette loads,” and “auto burglar alarms.”

Mayer added the department gets numerous reports of illegal fireworks each year.

“We’ve already had numerous complaints from citizens regarding people shooting off illegal fireworks,” said Mayer. “If you are in possession or using illegal ones you are subject to an ordinance violation.”

Mayer said the fine for illegal fireworks is $100.

She explained to exercise caution when using fireworks because even small ones can be dangerous.

“The Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated in 2013 there was about 11,000 people (that) were treated in emergency rooms. So there is a great potential for a chance of injury,” said Mayer. “Even if the fireworks are legal, sparklers burn hot enough that they could catch a t-shirt on fire or cause severe burns.”

Mayer said to keep an especially close eye on small children.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].