HOLLAND (WHTC-AM/FM) — Going into the Fourth of July weekend means a few more days of fireworks, and Holland Police Capt. Keith Mulder is reminding people of the rules.
While July 5 is the official holiday — and all federal, state and local offices, as well as the U.S. Postal Service, banks and credit unions, will be closed — celebrated “state law says July 4 at 11:45 is when it’s done,” Mulder told WHTC. “So, if you are hearing fireworks and seeing fireworks in between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. please don’t call because there’s nothing we can enforce, with some exceptions.”
If you’re hearing or seeing fireworks after 11:45 p.m., “then you can call us if there’s a problem,” he added. “Now, the one catch that people don’t always realize is, you are allowed to fire the consumer-grade fireworks from private property with the permission of either the owner or obviously if you own it, you have your own permission. But you cannot do it from the sidewalk or the street.”
Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is encouraging everyone celebrating the Fourth of July with explosive displays to “understand basic fireworks safety before using consumer fireworks.”
His tips for handling and launching fireworks:
- 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.
- Ensure people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Light fireworks outdoors on a driveway or other paved surface at least 25 feet away from houses and flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch.
- Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishaps.
- Douse spent fireworks in a bucket of water before discarding them in a trash can.
Avoid:
- Experimenting with or making your own fireworks.
- Buying fireworks packaged in brown paper or using unlabeled fireworks – they are for professional-use only.
- Allowing young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
- Placing any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
- Trying to re-light “duds” or picking up fireworks that have not ignited fully. Instead: Wait 15 to 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
- Pointing or throwing fireworks at other people.
- Carrying fireworks in a pocket or shooting them off in metal or glass containers.
Sehlmeyer’s announcement noted it’s illegal to use fireworks when intoxicated or under the influence of drugs. People must be 18 years of age or older to buy fireworks. The state’s list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low-impact fireworks, and novelties are online at michigan.gov/documents/lara/fireworks_381040_7.pdf.
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