Fireworks Violations Costly in Dearborn

DEARBORN, MI – As Fourth of July approaches, the city of Dearborn is reminding residents to follow state and local laws regarding the purchase and use of fireworks, as well as to exercise extreme caution. Consumer fireworks only allowed on certain days.

In addition to low-impact fireworks such as sparklers, there are powerful or airborne fireworks, known as “consumer” fireworks, that are legal for sale and use in Michigan. However, the use of consumer fireworks is restricted to the day before, day of, or day after national holidays, such as Fourth of July or the New Year’s holiday.

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. (There is an exception for New Year’s Day only, when the time of use is extended to 1 a.m.).

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Dearborn residents are encouraged to call 313-943-3030 to anonymously report unsafe or illegal activity in their neighborhood, or to call 9-1-1 if there is a dangerous or emergency situation. Other important 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 the following 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.
• You cannot discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
• It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 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 of Dearborn Code of Ordinances.

In addition to these rules, Dearborn Police will still enforce the city’s noise and littering ordinances, within the provisions of the state law, and issue violations when necessary. 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 is 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 from the Consumer Product Safety Commission can be found on www.cpsc.gov/fireworks

Photo by Mike Bowler via Flickr Commons