SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP)- The Illinois Department of Natural Resources is urging organizers of Independence Day fireworks displays to make sure the vendors they hire are properly licensed.

Illinois law requires that anyone who purchases or uses explosives — including display fireworks — have an explosives license and a storage certificate issued by the natural resources department.

The laws do not apply to consumer or personal fireworks such as roman candles, bottle rockets or firecrackers.

The agency currently lists 1,530 individuals licensed for the use of explosives in Illinois. Those include 864 for display fireworks.

Violating the explosives law could bring a prison sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)