Public reminder: Illinois law and two Homewood village ordinances prohibit the residential use of fireworks. 

As the July 4 holiday approaches, resident Kristine Condon addressed the Homewood Village Board on June 9 to repeat that reminder and express her concern about safety hazards from fireworks. 

Condon wanted to express thanks to the Homewood Police Department in advance for their efforts to keep fireworks use to a minimum. She asked trustees to publicize their support of the department’s efforts. 

Condon began speaking publicly at board meetings on the issue annually since her house had been a victim of fireworks gone wrong in 2023. 

According to Condon, her neighbors shot bottle rockets through transformer lines in an alley which landed on her patio. Other neighbors nearby shot bottle rockets across Homewood Avenue, which shorted the electrical supply to her frame garage, which contained two fully-fueled cars. 

Condon believes the community would benefit from the public reminder of the illegal use of fireworks. 

“The issue is not about whether home-rule would’ve given Homewood the ability to increase the fine. The issue is about visibly supporting our law enforcement as they enforce laws that are already on the books,” Condon said, referring to a failed referendum in 2018 that would have given the village more flexibility to set fines for ordinance violations.

Residents should be reminded that taking that risk comes with consequences, as it jeopardizes public peace and safety, she said. 

“In our 250th year, we should celebrate safely as well as responsibly,” Condon said. 

The board agreed with her concerns, and vocalized their support of enforcement.  

“I certainly support the police and fire department’s efforts to crack down on these private fireworks. There are plenty of public firework displays in the South Suburbs if you want to enjoy fireworks,” Trustee Julie Willis said.

“It’s about safety and courtesy to your neighbors,” Trustee Patrick Siemsen said.  

“I am in full support of police enforcement for the fireworks,” Trustee Phillip Mason said, adding, “my pets can’t stand it. My dogs are looking for places to hide from 5 o’clock through August.” 

“As the owner of four labs, we dread the Fourth of July. We will do whatever we can as far as enforcement goes,” Mayor Rich Hofeld said.