Community Corner
Dearborn Fire Marshal: Fireworks Can Darken Fourth of July Celebrations
Residents must follow the law when using fireworks in the city of Dearborn.
As Dearborn residents prepare to mark the Fourth of July, the Dearborn Fire Department encourages residents to enjoy the holiday, but be safe and smart when it comes to the use of fireworks.
A new report from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) documents that in 2011 alone 17,800 fires were started by fireworks. That is an increase from the 15,500 fires started on Fourth of July in 2010.
Fire Marshal Mike Kleitch said while Dearborn doesn't typically see an increase in emergency calls during the Independence Day holiday, injuries do tend to occur more frequently from reckless use of fireworks.
"One year we were called to a home after someone lit a firework that didn't go off. When the person went to investigate the cause, it exploded in his face and ultimately killed him," Kleitch said.
To avoid injuries, Kleitch recommends following a few common sense tips:
- Alcohol and fireworks don't mix. If you are drinking, don't attempt to play with fireworks.
- Designate one person to light fireworks. Multiple people lighting fireworks can cause a burn hazard.
- Secure fireworks on solid ground so they do not tip over.
- Be careful with controlled burns, severe weather can cause a normal burn to become out of control.
- Do not buy fireworks packaged in brown paper, they are for professional use.Â
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding it.
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. A person who violates this will be charged with a civil infraction and can be fined up to $100. The responsible party will also be required to pay for any damages caused by the fireworks.
"Typically people are pretty good about respecting their neighbors," Kleitch said. "If someone is using fireworks at 2 a.m., it starts to become a nuisance, and the police might come knocking on your door."
New city law likely to go into effect in Dearborn in August
A new state law signed by the governor on June 19 allows municipalities to enact local ordinances to enforce stricter times of use for consumer fireworks.According to the state law, cities may prohibit use of these fireworks between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m. the day before, day of, and day after a national holiday. For New Year's Day, the prohibited hours would be between 1-8 a.m.
However, because the new state law is only a mechanism allowing cities to create new enforcement guidelines, the city of Dearborn must pass an amendment to its fireworks ordinance in order to prohibit fireworks use during those times.
This amendment is expected to be introduced at the city council's next regular meeting on July 23. Amendments to the City's Code of Ordinances require two readings before they can be approved.
It’s likely the amendment will be approved at the Aug. 13 council meeting.
Dearborn Police will still enforce the city’s noise and littering ordinances within the provisions of the state law, and issue violations when necessary. To report unsafe or illegal activity, call 313-943-3030.
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