Illinois debates allowing 'fountain' sparklers John O’Connor AP Political Writer April 5, 2021 FacebookTwitterEmail In this July 2020 photo, a man shops with his family in the large shell section of a fireworks tent behind the Gas Mart at U.S. 67 and Missouri Highway 94 in West Alton, Missouri. Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill to allow firework “fountains,” a show-in-a-box that can unleash multicolored sparks, whizzing streaks and sharp reports. Now legally sold in Missouri, opponents say the fountains will produce more fireworks-related injuries. SPRINGFIELD (AP) — Sandwiched between states that consider fireworks a veritable patriotic right, Illinois advocates are trying to loosen what are among the nation’s strictest prohibitions by legalizing “fountains,” a fireworks show-in-a-box that can unleash multicolored sparks, whizzing streaks and sharp reports.