Contact: Chris Yenne
                Asst. Fire Chief
               City of Mt. Vernon, IL
Phone: 618-242-7708
Email – Chris.yenne@mtvernon.com

June 24, 2024

For Immediate Release

City of Mt. Vernon Urges Fireworks Safety

Mt. Vernon, IL - Fireworks are a traditional part of America’s 4th of July celebration, yet every year people take needless risks when they celebrate. Even sparklers and firecrackers, which most people consider as safe can be harmful and result in serious burns, hearing loss, and other injuries and many fireworks are prohibited.  Examples of prohibited fireworks in the State of Illinois and the City of Mt. Vernon are any hand-held explosive fireworks, bottle rockets, any firecrackers, skyrockets, chasers, roman candles, and any lanterns that use an open flame for propulsion. Even sparklers and firecrackers, which most people consider as safe can be harmful and result in serious burns, hearing loss, and other injuries. 

Any person must be in possession of a Consumer Fireworks Training Certification Card to possess or discharge consumer fireworks and the Mt. Vernon Fire Department is conducting online Consumer Fireworks Training for anyone that is interested in obtaining a Consumer Fireworks Training Certification Card. This certification is required by law to purchase, possess, and/or display 1.4G consumer fireworks in the State of Illinois and the City of Mt. Vernon. Anyone interested in Participating in this no-cost training needs to complete the following:

1. Register with the administration Office by calling 618-242-6880 Opt#2 or by email at sara.hayes@mtvernon.com, aaron.shook@mtvernon.com, or chris.yenne@mtvernon.com.  A valid Driver’s License or State Photo ID is required for sign-up and can be accomplished by emailing or texting a photo of your state-issued ID or Driver’s License to them. You must be at least 18 years of age.
2. Once you are registered, you will be emailed a link for the training video to watch. This should last approximately an hour. 
3. After you have completed the video, you will receive an online link and password to take two tests online. One test will be a consumer-grade fireworks safety test. You must complete that with a score of 100%. The second test will be a consumer-grade product knowledge test and you must complete that with a score of 80%. These tests will be graded immediately and if you are unable to complete the test with the required score you will be able to retake the exam after a short review.
4. When the exams are successfully completed, you will be issued a Consumer Grade Fireworks Safety Training card which will allow you to purchase and possess legal fireworks within the state of Illinois.  Your fireworks training card will be valid until April 30^th of 2025.  It can be mailed to you, or you can pick it up at the Administration Office at Fire Station on 42^nd St.

This Consumer Grade Fireworks Safety Training card allows you to purchase 1.4G consumer fireworks. If you are planning to conduct fireworks display in the city of Mt. Vernon, you must contact the fire department administration at the number above and go through the proper procedures to do so as established by the Code of Ordinances for the City of Mt. Vernon Article 9 Sec. 9.8 Subsection 12: Display of Fireworks., which can be viewed online at www.mtvernon.com/city-ordinances

No consumer displays should be discharged from Federal, State or municipal property, including roadways, alleyways, parking lots, sidewalk, or any public way.

And, remember to join us at the professional fireworks display at the Salute to Freedom at the Mt. Vernon Outland Airport on Thursday, July 4^th from 5-930.  This event includes Market Days vendors, music, food vendors, and much more.  

As always, the City of Mt. Vernon Fire Department encourages you to use caution and discretion when discharging fireworks to have a safe and happy Fourth of July.

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