City ordinance limits times of fireworks use on national holidays
DEARBORN – As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, city officials issued reminders of state and local laws regarding the purchase and use of fireworks, as well requests that the public exercise extreme caution.
Consumer fireworks only allowed on certain days
In addition to smaller, low-impact fireworks such as sparklers, powerful or airborne fireworks, known as “consumer” fireworks, are legal for sale and use in Michigan. The use of consumer fireworks, however, is restricted to the day before, day of, or day after national holidays.
Dearborn’s fireworks ordinance also restricts the times that these fireworks may be used on permitted holidays. No use is allowed between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m., with the exception of New Year’s Day, when the time of use is extended to 1 a.m.
Dearborn residents are encouraged to call 313-943-3030 to anonymously report unsafe or illegal activity in their neighborhood, or to call 911 if there is a dangerous or emergency situation.
Regulations on fireworks
Other restrictions apply to consumer fireworks use. Violation of these rules is considered a civil infraction, punishable by fines of up to $500.
All residents should be aware of provisions in state and local law related to consumer fireworks use:
• No one is allowed to use fireworks on public properties, including schools, churches, government buildings, city streets and parks.
• No one is allowed to ignite or discharge fireworks in any way that would cause them to land on someone else’s private property without the express consent of the property owners. The responsible party will also be required to pay for any damages caused by the fireworks.
• No one is allowed to discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• No one under the age of 18 is allowed to purchase or discharge consumer fireworks.
Some regulations also apply to the use of low-impact fireworks. Details are outlined in Sec. 14-265 of the city’s Code of Ordinances.
In addition to these rules, police still will enforce the city’s noise and littering ordinances, within the provisions of the state law, and issue violations when necessary.
Residents urged to use caution
Even though powerful fireworks are legal in Michigan, their use still carries the same potential dangers and liabilities. Every year, thousands of dollars in property damage is reported due to fires caused by the unsafe use of fireworks. Additionally, it’s estimated that 200 people per day go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries during the period surrounding the Fourth of July.
To avoid serious injuries, residents are asked to exercise caution when discharging fireworks. Guidelines for safe fireworks handling from the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be found at www.cpsc.gov/fireworks.
People who discharge fireworks can be held accountable for any injury or property damage caused.