Fireworks: All You Need to Know

Fourth of July is almost upon us, and we're here to make sure you don't blow off your hands, blow a good photo opportunity or blow over the legal limit.

Whether you want to know why you can't set off your own fireworks, where to see a local show and how to photograph that show, read below.

Fireworks Illegal in Illinois

You can have sparklers, smoke bombs and party poppers, but the fun stops there.

Bolingbrook Lieutenant Mike Rompa said police will respond to any calls or complaints of fireworks being used, but fines for the offense are issued depending on circumstance.

“Normally, someone (would be) issued a warning and the fireworks are taken,” Rompa said. “But if police are called back for a second complaint, then a citation will be issued.”

Possession of fireworks is a $50 fine under Bolingbrook local ordinance.

Rompa said if you can purchase the fireworks from a major retail establishment, they’re most likely legal.

Fourth of July Safety Tips

Silver Cross Hospital in Homer Glen offers these , including some powerful numbers about firework-related injuries and drunken driving. 

There are about 9,600 firework-related injuries each year in the U.S., 2,500 of which are eye injuries resulting in permanent damage or removal of the eye. (This information is according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology.) And although sparklers are legal here, they account for three-quarters of all firework injuries in preschoolers.

Especially pertinent this year: in 2011, fireworks caused 15,500 fires, resulting in $36 million in property damage, according to the National Fire Incident Reporting System. Between 2006 and 2010, five people per year were killed by these fires. 

“It's really a lot safer to go to a professional show at one of the many area park districts,” said Daniel Checco, Medical Director for the Silver Cross Free-Standing Emergency Care Center in Homer Glen. “By letting trained experts light the fireworks, all you have to do is sit there and enjoy the show.”

Bolingbrook Fireworks Show

will take place at the , 2001 Rodeo Dr. There are multiple options for both food and drink, live music and family activities. 

Fireworks will follow the singing of the National Anthem at 9:15 p.m. by Jim Cornelison from the Chicago Blackhawks. 

For parking, park at Dalton Lane and Rodeo Drive or Rodeo Drive and Kings Road in the grass lot and take a free shuttle to the golf club. 

How to Photograph Fireworks

Capturing fireworks on camera is a challenge that can be mastered easily with the right equipment and settings on your camera.  Here is a short tutorial to help you  capture the rockets' red glare this Fourth of July.  

Equipment needed:

• Camera: Either point-and-shoot or an SLR.
• Tripod: To keep the camera steady and prevent motion blur.
• Flashlight:  To see the camera settings in the dark.
• Wireless Trigger: Not necessary but it helps to prevent camera shake.

Head over to Rochester Patch for photos and more step-by-step advice on .