Crime & Safety

Fireworks in Michigan: What's Legal and What's Safe?

A handy guide to Shelby, Utica and state regulations and tips to make sure you don't get burned or ticketed this Fourth of July.

The fireworks are to the Fourth of July what evergreen trees are to Christmas: an absolute must–but also a safety hazard if not used properly.

The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services warns that though beautiful, fireworks can be dangerous.

"Fireworks can quickly turn a Fourth of July celebration into a tragedy when children and adults are injured while using fireworks,” said Michigan State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr. “For all the fun and excitement of fireworks, they account for an increasingly large number of injuries and fires that are preventable when proper and strict safety measures are taken.”

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Farr recommends attending professional fireworks displays, rather than trying to create them at home. But if you must, here’s a sampling of some important safety tips to remember when you make sparks fly:

  • Do not allow unsupervised children to use or play with fireworks–even sparklers.
  • Once purchased, store fireworks in a cool, dry place and check each package for special storage instructions.
  • Only light fireworks outdoors on a flat, smooth surface at least 15 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch. 
  • Be sure other people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Wear eye protection when handling fireworks and never carry them in your pocket.
  • Have a garden hose, bucket of water and wet towels ready to use immediately in case of a malfunction or fire. 
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before putting them in a garbage can. Remember that cylinder fountains and cone fountains can still be burning on the inside after the shower of sparks have stopped and should be soaked in water before throwing away to prevent a fire.
  • Never use homemade fireworks.
  • Never re-light a "dud." Wait 20 minutes then soak it in a bucket of water.

"More fires are reported on the Fourth of July than on any other day in the U.S. Half of these are caused by fireworks," said Shelby Township Lt. Inspector Edward Vojtush.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In Shelby and Utica, ordinances impose a strict, zero-tolerance policy for use of illegal fireworks, or improper use of legal fireworks.

Shelby Township has adopted the state of Michigan law on fireworks, which is 1931 PA328 as amended, that allows the use of sparklers, cone and cylinder fountains, snakes and smoke devices with not more than 1.4 grams of pyrotechnic composition per tube.

Wondering what kinds of fireworks are legal in Michigan without a permit?

Outdoor displays must comply with National Fire Protection Association standards according to NFPA 1123: Code for Fireworks Display, which can be found at www.nfpa.org. But as a general reference, if you can't buy it in Michigan, you probably can't use it in Michigan.

To find out more information regarding fireworks safety and the permit process, visit the Bureau of Fire Services website at: www.michigan.gov/bfs or contact the Bureau of Fire Safety at 517-241-8847.

Save Yourself the Hassle: Go to a Show

There’s really no need to dirty up your backyard and put yourself and loved ones at risk. Professional fireworks shows in southeast Michigan are plentiful, with shows happening before, during and after Fourth of July weekend.

Remember, there will be a Fourth of July fireworks display at Stony Creek Metropark on July 2. 

For a complete list of regional fireworks displays, check out our comprehensive fireworks roundup.


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