Fireworks Season Ready to Blast Off

It’s getting close to that time of year where we will soon be hearing loud booms, bangs and bright lights in the night sky.

Firework season is upon us.

Since area law enforcement agencies will soon be receiving a plethora of telephone calls regarding fireworks, here is what is considered legal and illegal fireworks. 

The Michigan law covering fireworks is 750.243a and starts by defining what are considered fireworks.    

“Fireworks” means a device made from explosive or flammable compositions used primarily for the purpose of producing a visible display or audible effect, or both, by combustion, deflagration, or detonation. Fireworks include class B fireworks and class C fireworks.

Let’s try to make fireworks do’s and don’ts simple to understand. 

Anyone who uses Class B fireworks will need a permit.  Class B fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and any fireworks that leave the ground.

Class C fireworks, which include flat paper caps, sparklers, fountains, toy snakes and smoke bombs, do not require a permit in Michigan.

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.

A fast fact:  Sparklers can reach 1,800° Fahrenheit (982° Celsius) which is hot enough to melt gold.

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.

Here are some statistics from the National Fire Protection Association and Consumer Product Safety Commission:

• 30,100 Estimated number of fires caused by fireworks each year
• 7,000 Estimated number of injuries caused by fireworks in 2008
• 7 Fireworks-related deaths occurred in 2008
• $34 million Amount of direct property loss caused by fireworks

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

Fenton's Fireworks

Sparks will fly in July.

The has approved the fireworks application from Pennsylvania-based Zambelli Fireworks Mfg. Co.

The permit application is for Monday, July 4, as part of the annual Fenton Freedom Festival. Fireworks will be set off at , the normal location, with no admittance to the park during the fireworks display. People can watch the fireworks from areas along and near Silver Lake Village.

Former Department of Public Works (DPW) director Les Bland will assist with the fireworks display, said DPW Director Daniel Czarnecki. Bland has insurance coverage as a volunteer for the city, City Manager Lynn Markland said.

According to the fireworks permit application, the show will include 1,400 two-inch fireworks, 600 three-inch ones, 150 four-inch diameter fireworks, 135 five-inch diameter and 108 six-inch diameter. The fireworks are divided into the opening finale, the body of the program and grand finale shells. A Zambelli Company truck will deliver the fireworks on the day of the display.

In addition to the fireworks, the multi-day Fenton Freedom Festival traditionally includes a parade, Silver Lake Ski Show by the Silver Lake Ski Club, pancake breakfast, sunrise service, Rubber Ducky Regatta, Lions Chicken BBQ, concessions, music entertainment, Craft Show and children's games. Members of the community organize and plan the festival as members of the Fenton Freedom Festival Committee. See the attached file for the schedule of events and the parade route.

The Van Gilder family, founders of , will be the grand marshals of the parade.