HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Michigan fireworks rules have changed several times over the last few years.
State law allows fireworks on following days, after 11 a.m.:
- December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 1
- The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, until 11:45 p.m.
- June 29 to July 4, until 11:45 p.m.
- July 5, if it falls on a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
- The Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day, until 11:45 p.m.
Current state law allows communities to fine people up to $1,000 for violating the fireworks law.
In Michigan, consumer fireworks must meet Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards. Licensed facilities will only sell fireworks to people 18 years of age or older. Low impact fireworks (ground-based items such as sparklers, toy snakes, snaps, and poppers) are also legal for sale and use
State law limits consumer-grade fireworks to personal property — at least 25 feet from any structure. It is illegal to deploy fireworks on public property (including streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person’s property without their express permission. State law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
When fire-related incidents involve consumer, low impact, or illegal fireworks resulting in property damage, injury or death of another person, people responsible can face misdemeanor or felony charges, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000, or both.
State fire inspectors will ticket fireworks’ sellers who violate the Fireworks Safety Act.
Consumers should always buy from state-certified fireworks retailers – whether in a permanent building or a tent.
Fireworks safety tips:
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Have an adult supervise fireworks activities, including sparklers.
- Light fireworks one at a time, then immediately back away to a safe distance.
- Keep people and pets out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them.
The state’s list of DON’Ts:
- Buy fireworks packaged in brown paper or use unlabeled fireworks – those are for professional use only.
- Experiment with or make your own fireworks.
- Allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Try to re-light “duds” or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Point or throw fireworks at other people.
- Carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
- Sparklers should not be considered harmless for kids. A significant number of young children are injured by being poked with sparkler wires and are badly burned by sparklers each year, per the CPSC.
State officials say more than half of all sparkler-related injuries happen to kids under age 14 across the country. Sparklers can reach 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and can cause significant burns. They can also quickly ignite clothing and can cause grass fires if thrown on the ground. Always keep a bucket of water close by to dispose of used sparklers promptly.
Visit michigan.gov/documents/lara/fireworks_381040_7.pdf to learn more.
