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

The 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.”

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.

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

“Each year, we see cases of personal injury and damage to property when people use illegal fireworks,” said Police Chief Ronald Haddad. “City ordinances prohibit the sale and use of illegal fireworks, or the unsafe use of legal fireworks."

Use and possession of illegal fireworks in Dearborn is a misdemeanor offense, carrying a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

In all cases, illegal fireworks are confiscated.

Dearborn police urge residents to report fireworks in their neighborhood by calling the station at 313-943-2201.

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 that the usual Fourth of July fireworks display held at Camp Dearborn has been canceled this year, due to budget cuts. The city of Dearborn will host fireworks displays during Dearborn Homecoming, held August 5-7 in .

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