Community Corner

Restrictions on Your Rockets' Red Glare: Legal/Illegal Fireworks in Macomb

This is just a reminder of what displays you can and cannot put on in your Macomb Township backyard.

Fireworks may have their origins in China, but today, the exploding multicolor bursts are a hallmark of Fourth of July celebrations across the U.S.

However, their use, without a permit, is also legally prohibited in most cities and towns–Macomb Township included.

So before you strike a match beneath that Roman candle, keep in mind Section 12-313 of the Macomb Township Code of Ordinances.

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According to this code, the sale or use of fireworks in Macomb Township is prohibited. But what does this mean exactly? Let's break it down:

  • It is illegal for anyone to sell, give, possess or explode any blank cartridge, toy pistol, toy cannon, toy cane or toy gun in which explosives are used.
  • The only exception to this rule is a toy pistol, toy cannon, toy cane or toy gun in which paper caps containing one-quarter grain, or less, of explosive compound are used and which are built so that the hand cannot come in contact with the cap when in place for the explosion
  • Also prohibited is any type of balloon which requires fire underneath to propel it, fire crackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, dago bombs and sparklers.
  • Again, the exception is sparklers containing no more than 0.0125 pounds of burning portion per sparklers
  • Then there are other fireworks containing any explosive or inflammable compound, or any tablets or other devices commonly used and sold as fireworks that are also prohibited by the code.

The only loophole in this law is of the official kind. An organization or group of individuals may apply to the township board of trustees, in writing, for a permit to put on a public display of fireworks.

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Macomb Township's fireworks ordinance follows that established by the Michigan Code of Ordinances, MCL 750.243a et seq., MSA 28.440(1) et seq.

If You Get Caught?

Use and possession of illegal fireworks in Macomb Township is a misdemeanor offense, carrying a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or court costs, probation, county work programs or community service decided by a judge.

In all cases, illegal fireworks are confiscated.

The Macomb County Sheriff's Office urges residents to report fireworks in their neighborhood by calling the nonemergency line at 586-469-5151

Fireworks Safety

The Michigan Bureau of Fire Services warns that though beautiful, fireworks can be dangerous.

"Fireworks can quickly turn a Fourth of July celebration into a tragedy when children and adults are injured while using fireworks,” said Michigan State Fire Marshal Ronald R. Farr. “For all the fun and excitement of fireworks, they account for an increasingly large number of injuries and fires that are preventable when proper and strict safety measures are taken.”

Farr recommends attending professional fireworks displays, rather than trying to create them at home. But if you must, here’s a sampling of some important safety tips to remember when you make sparks fly:

  • Do not allow unsupervised children to use or play with fireworks–even sparklers.
  • Once purchased, store fireworks in a cool, dry place and check each package for special storage instructions.
  • Only light fireworks outdoors on a flat, smooth surface at least 15 feet away from houses and highly flammable materials such as dry grass or mulch. 
  • Be sure other people and pets are out of range before lighting fireworks.
  • Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
  • Wear eye protection when handling fireworks and never carry them in your pocket.
  • Have a garden hose, bucket of water and wet towels ready to use immediately in case of a malfunction or fire. 
  • Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water before putting them in a garbage can. Remember that cylinder fountains and cone fountains can still be burning on the inside after the shower of sparks have stopped and should be soaked in water before throwing away to prevent a fire.

There are dozens of fireworks shows scheduled throughout the summer months, so save yourself the worry of accidents and/or jail time and plan to attend a local show.


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