Menomonee Falls fireworks will go on as planned

The Fourth of July fireworks, slated for approximately 9 tonight in Menomonee Falls, will go on as planned, however, a slew of preventive measures were taken due to dry weather conditions.

The police department has worked with the school district to ensure the safety of the Fourth of July fireworks that are shot off from the Menomonee Falls High School football field. The main concern is wind, not dry conditions as the area at the high school has been wet down. Winds are only projected to be six to eight miles per hour Tuesday. If wind speeds increase, Anna Ruzinski, Menomonee Falls police chief and director of protective services said at the Village Board meeting Monday night that the size of the show will be adjusted.

Although the fireworks will go on, the burn ban remains in place. This includes all campfires and personal fire pits. Grills are still allowed. The fine for those in violation of the burn ban is $177.

Most fireworks are already illegal in the village, said Ruzinski; however, she is asking the public to refrain from using items such as sparklers and other legal items that cause sparks until dry conditions improve.

"Please use common sense and we ask people to refrain or limit the use of those," said Ruzinski. "Our main goal is to educate the public when they have sparklers."

She said the police department will enforce and issue citations if anyone is found to be using illegal fireworks of their own.

There will also be someone stationed on the roof of the high school to ensure there is not flying debris as a result of the Fourth of July fireworks.

"We want to make sure everyone is kept safe," Ruzinski said.

The Fourth of July parade begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday on Appleton Avenue and Elm Street.