SHAWANO COUNTY, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) -- If you have ever driven from Wausau to Green Bay, chances are you have seen the big blue Fireworks Country barn along Highway 29. For years it has been a popular destination to purchase fireworks in preparation for the 4th of July.

With many communities across Wisconsin cancelling public displays this year, Fireworks Country General Manager Tony Bamke says more people are coming in this year interested in creating their own displays.

“It started out slow, but now as its getting closer to the 4th of July more and more people have been coming in and saying its all about family, we want to get together,” says Bamke.

While fireworks stores are likely happy about the uptick in business, not everyone feels the same way. Many fire departments around the state worry that with more people setting off fireworks the risk of injury and fire could rise. For South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joseph Knitter, it is a concern.

“In the hands of an untrained individual, fireworks, even fireworks that can be purchased at roadside stands can become dangerous for multiple reasons. For not only the fire safety hazards that are involved but also injuries to humans and pets included,” says Chief Knitter.

Fireworks ordinances vary widely from town to town around Wisconsin. In South Milwaukee, and in many suburban communities around the state, sparklers are legal but explosives are not. In other places people may purchase fireworks but are not allowed to set them off without a permit from their local government.

Meanwhile staff at Fireworks Country say they believe most people who purchase fireworks are looking to abide by the rules and encourage people to be smart when it comes to fireworks safety. ​