Homeowner cited for possession of illegal fireworks after the fireworks ignited and unintentionally set the garage on fire. The Galesburg Fire Department responded to a garage fire at 900 Bateman Street on June 29, 2024, and arrived to find fireworks exploding from the garage. A large amount of illegal fireworks was determined to be stored in the garage, which had electricity and natural gas running to it.
According to the release, the Galesburg Fire Department was able to put out the fire even with fireworks shooting at them and exploring near them.
“This event posed a significant danger to the first responders on the scene as well as to the residents in the area.” The homeowner, Doug Miller, was cited for illegal possession of fireworks and given a court date.