4th of July Fireworks Could Fizzle as State Ban Considered

Dry conditions could put a damper on 4th of July festivities this year as State Fire Marshal Julie Secontine considers a statewide ban on fireworks amid fears they could spark fires.

Secontine told The Detroit News threat of fires “is being discussed at the state level, and at this point, we are not taking any actions for a burn ban or a fireworks ban.”

Earlier, Secontine told CBS Detroit’s radio affiliate, WWJ, that a statewide ban on fireworks had never been discussed at the state level and that such measures typically are under the purview of county officials because conditions vary so greatly across Michigan.

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Under Michigan law, consumers can set off fireworks on the day before, day of and day after 10 national holidays, including Independence Day.

Detroit Fire Department Capt. Chris Dixon, a senior fire prevention instructor with the department’s Fire Marshal Division, told The Detroit News that today’s consumer-grade fireworks are powerful and dangerous, regardless of weather conditions.

“The fireworks we have now aren’t our mom’s and dad’s fireworks,” Dixon said. “They’re very dangerous, so you should be careful where you store them. Have adult supervision when using them. Keep small children and animals away from them. And no alcohol.”

Some Local Bans Already in Place

The Michigan Fire Prevention Act of 1941 can supersede the consumer fireworks law, because it allows fire officials to “take all necessary steps and prescribe all necessary restrictions and requirements to protect persons and property until the dangerous condition is abated.”

The month-long dry spell has prompted the Oakland County village of Holly to prohibit consumer use of fireworks, though the Freedom Fireworks display at Groveland Oaks Park is still on.

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East Lansing and several other Ingham County communities also have effectively doused fireworks with burn bans, The Lansing State Journal reported.

“In some areas, especially where you’ve got open fields and open grass … You look at some of those more rural communities and it can spread quick and get away from them,” Cook told CBS Detroit. “Wherever you are, I do advise anyone to use extreme caution because it is dry … Let common sense prevail.”

Strict Enforcement of Already Tough Law

In a Facebook post, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said he doesn’t plan to ban consumer fireworks, but the local law regarding their use — one of the toughest in the state — will be strictly enforced.

“I trust most people can [proceed] in a responsible manner but everyone must keep in mind that with a lack of rain the possibility of a fire are greater with fireworks,” he wrote. “Thus extra caution and restraint must be made. Penalties can include $500 fine and 30-90 days in jail.”

Rain chances are slim through the 4th of July, according to the National Weather Service. Rain chances are about 50 percent early Friday morning through about 3 p.m.