Fourth of July fireworks celebrations in Michigan, rules and safety tips

Michigan is at a much lower risk of drought than it was last year, decreasing the chances of a fire starting from fireworks
State law allows residents to use consumer-grade fireworks like sparklers and smoke bombs on private property
Some municipalities have already began fireworks displays and more will do so in the coming days

The risk of a fire breaking out is always present when lighting fireworks, but that risk is much lower than it was last year, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Most of the state is not at risk of or experiencing a drought but some parts of central Michigan and the western part of the Upper Peninsula are considered abnormally dry.

This time last year, many municipalities had canceled their firework presentations because of the extremely dry conditions. The state had also temporarily suspended issuing burn permits.

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“One of the things we ask is to try not to shoot them into the woods, and when you are shooting them off, always have a bucket or a hose nearby where you can get some water in case a fire starts,” said Paul Rogers, a fire prevention specialist for the DNR.

Fire safety tips

The DNR offers the following safety tips when handling fireworks:

Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them.
Have a bucket of water or hose nearby.
Do not use aerial fireworks in state parks or recreational areas.
Only light fireworks during the allotted time frame set by the state.

Firework showcases in Michigan

With the Fourth of July just two weeks away, many municipalities will host firework celebrations leading up to the holiday. The event-listing website MIFun4U has a rundown of fireworks presentations across the state here.

Here are a few places where you can catch a show in the coming days:

Friday
Mayfly Music Festival, Dundee

Saturday
Yankee Doodle Day, Grand Ledge

Monday
Ford Fireworks, Detroit

Wednesday
Festival of the Hills, Rochester Hills

Thursday
Chesaning Fireworks in the Park, Chesaning

Friday, June 28
Dowagiac Fireworks, Dowagiac
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest, Howell
Mount Clemens Independence Day Fireworks, Mount Clemens

Saturday, June 29
Taylor Summer Festival, Taylor
Independence Fest, Clarkston
Long Lake Lights Festival, Alpena

Sunday, June 30
Livonia Spree, Livonia

Fireworks you can’t light — and other rules to follow

Michigan law prohibits municipalities from banning fireworks after 11 a.m. through 11:45 p.m. from June 29 through July 4. Residents can use fireworks on private property but lighting them on public property including sidewalks, streets, at schools and churches is illegal. Violators can be fined up to $500.

It is legal for individuals to use consumer-grade fireworks and pyrotechnics you buy from a store to take home, like sparklers and smoke bombs, on personal property.

It is illegal to sell fireworks to minors in Michigan.