Shooting off fireworks in Grand Forks could get residents a hefty fine, and it could land offenders in jail if they do it in East Grand Forks.
The Grand Forks Police Department has reminded residents most fireworks are illegal to use in city limits. Party poppers, snappers and any pulling fireworks are legal, but any other pyrotechnics can result in a $101 fine, according to a news release. Officers also may confiscate the fireworks they find in possession of lawbreakers.
Those who wish to light fireworks need to travel outside city limits, the release said. The law enforcement agency advised residents to follow the laws of the county or city in which they light the fireworks.
"Good general rule: Don't trespass onto anyone's property," the release said.
The warning came just before July 4. Some cities allow residents to shoot off fireworks during the holiday, but not Grand Forks.
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Fireworks also are illegal in East Grand Forks. The city follows Minnesota law when it comes to the activity, so most fireworks that fly or explode are prohibited.
That excludes sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, snakes and party poppers, according to state law.
Violating the Minnesota law is considered a misdemeanor crime that carries a maximum punishment of 90 days in jail and up to a $700 fine, East Grand Forks Police Chief Michael Hedlund said.
"More often than not, we just do warnings unless the violation is extreme," he said. "We have issued citations for that in the past, so it is certainly a possibility."
Those who wish to light fireworks for a display in Grand Forks must obtain permission from the city. That includes the downtown fireworks display scheduled for dusk Wednesday over the Red River.
