Fireworks are illegal in Illinois, and Village officials remind residents to leave the firework displays to the professionals. Park Forest is in a moderate to severe drought, with an elevated fire risk.
The extreme dryness sweeping the Chicagoland area is making the use of fireworks extremely dangerous.
Park Forest Fire Department Deputy Chief Mark Cotrano said with the growing fire threat, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) recommends that people use glow sticks or noise makers to enjoy Independence Day.
"Use glow sticks," Cotrano said. "They glow in the dark, are a safe alternative to a sparkler, and are fun for all ages."
Most fireworks are illegal in Illinois, but Contrano said even those that are legal, like sparklers, can cause injury or start a fire.
Cotrano added sparklers could reach temperatures up to 1200 degrees which can cause serious physical harm. The sparks that fly off the sparklers can easily ignite nearby combustible materials, including paper, fabric, and dry grass around the Village.
Cotrano said residents could have an outdoor movie night by setting up a screen and projector, another family-friendly holiday celebration idea.
Contrano reiterated residents should leave the firework show to the professionals and said the Village wants everyone to have a safe holiday.
The Village of Park Forest will host a parade on Tuesday, July 4, at 6 p.m. The parade will begin at the intersection of Main Street and Orchard Drive. Additionally, there will be a fireworks show at Central Park which will begin at dusk. For more information on this year’s 4th of July celebration in the Village of Park Forest, click here.