MILWAUKEE - People may be tempted to set off fireworks this weekend, but that's illegal in the city of Milwaukee.

Alderman Bob Donovan's message is clear. Do not set off fireworks.

"If people don't want to abide by the law then we're going to hit them in the pocketbook."

The cost is a big blow. It's now $676 for each citation, and that could go up to $1,000.

This year, city workers are making sure everyone knows the rules. Volunteers are going around handing out fliers detailing the law and where people can watch fireworks safely.

Volunteers hope they can spark some change.

"And hopefully, hopefully, we can all stand here at the end of the summer and say we didn't have any kids that blew off their fingers or houses that were started on fire," says volunteer Emilio Lopez.

Donovan believes the efforts do work.

"A few years ago, all night long I was up driving through my district and it was a joke. On every block, people were shooting off fireworks. The police couldn't keep up."

The problems have been reduced, so the city is going to keep the pressure on.

Alderman Donovan hopes to get the message out to his south side neighborhood before the 4th of July holiday.