In 2018, the State of Michigan amended the 2011 Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which modifies the standards under which local municipalities may regulate the ignition, discharge and use of consumer fireworks.

The Township Board amended its existing fireworks safety ordinance on April 16, 2019 to meet the requirements of the amended Michigan Fireworks Safety Act. Amendments to the Township’s Fireworks Ordinance included:

• Reducing the number of days and hours a person may ignite, discharge or use consumer fireworks to the following dates beginning at 11:00 am on each day: December 31 until 1:00 am on January 1, Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day until 11:45 pm on each of those days, June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 pm on each of those days, July 5 – if that date is a Friday or Saturday – until 11:45 pm and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day until 11:45 pm on each of those days.
• Prohibits the use of fireworks on public property, school property, church property or any other person’s property without permission.
• Prohibits the use of fireworks under the influence of alcohol and/or a controlled substance.
• Prohibits the possession of fireworks by a minor.
• Enables the use of low-impact fireworks and novelty fireworks year-round between the hours of 8:00 am and 11:00 pm.
• Enables the Township’s Fire Department to determine if dangerous or emergency conditions exist and to prohibit the ignition, discharge or use of any firework.
• Enforces a no-burning restriction if environmental concerns based on the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) fire division’s criteria are elevated to “extreme”, or to “very high” for 72 consecutive hours.

If an enforcing official has determined that a violation of this ordinance has occurred, the official may seize the fireworks as evidence of such violation. Any person who is found responsible or admits responsibility shall be subject to a civil fine.

To read the full Fireworks Ordinance, visit the Code of Ordinances section of the Meridian Township website. Contact Fire Marshal Tavis Millerov with questions at 517.853.4720 or millerov@meridian.mi.us

Here are some safety tips to consider when handling fireworks:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Never allow children to handle fireworks.
• Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
• Never light them indoors.
• Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Soak unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don’t go off or in case of fire.