Nearly 400 Fireworks Complaints Include Teen Injured In Indoor Fireworks Explosion, Fires: Aurora Officials

AURORA, IL — During one of the busiest time of the year for calls, Aurora police and firefighers shared an update Wednesday about fireworks enforcement efforts, saying police received nearly 400 complaints about fireworks.

In one incident, police said a teenage boy was injured when a firework went off inside a local business.

Between June 1 and July 6, Aurora police responded to nearly 16,000 calls for service, including 384 related to fireworks, officials said. Officers were unable to locate the reported activity in about 70 percent of those incidents, but they were able to make contact in 65 incidents, resulting in 32 fireworks citations and the seizure of fireworks in four incidents.

During that timeframe, officers from the Community Oriented Policing Unit also patrolled areas where fireworks complaints have been reported, responded to active complaints and worked to identify violations through their own observations, officials said.

"These efforts will continue throughout the summer, and residents can help by reporting fireworks activity while it is occurring and providing the most specific location and information possible," Police Chief Matt Thomas said in a statement. "We appreciate the community's patience and understanding as our department works through one of the busiest times of year for calls for service, and we remain committed to being responsive to every concern."

Fireworks Cause Injuries, Fires

Authorities said injuries among the biggest concerns related to fireworks. On July 12, police responded to a local business after a firework exploded inside, injuring a 17-year-old employee, officials said.

The teen who ignited the firework was arrested and charged with reckless conduct and use/explosion of fireworks.

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"The rainy weather contributed to a quieter holiday weekend overall, but our firefighters still responded to more than 100 fire-related calls and 170 medical emergencies, including three homes damaged by fireworks," Interim Fire Chief Kevin Nickel said in a statement. "Fireworks can cause serious injuries and significant property damage, and the safest way to enjoy them is to leave them to the professionals."

Residents are encouraged to report fireworks activity as it is occurring by calling the police department's non-emergency line, 630-256-5500. For activity that has already stopped, ongoing concern, or to provide photos or video, residents can submit a request through the MyAurora311 app and include available information or evidence for follow-up.

When a complaint about fireworks comes in, officers need to know where fireworks are being launched, have to identify who is responsible and establish sufficient evidence that a violation occurred, officials said.

"Timely reports with a specific location and other details can help officers locate the activity and identify those involved," officials said.