Full Notification

CONSUMER FIREWORK USE IS LIMITED TO THE DAY BEFORE, THE DAY OF AND THE DAY AFTER A NATIONAL HOLIDAY, BUT NOT BETWEEN THE HOURS OF MIDNIGHT - 8AM (1AM - 8AM ON NEW YEARS DAY).

THE ALLOWABLE HOLIDAYS ARE AS FOLLOWS:

• New Years Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• Washington's Birthday (Presidents' Day)
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Columbus Day
• Veterans' Day
• Thanksgiving
• Christmas

WHAT ARE CONSUMER FIREWORKS?

Consumer fireworks generally refer to fireworks that explode and/or leave the ground. Common examples are Sky Rockets/ Bottle Rockets, Firecrackers, Multiple Rocker Launchers, Sky Lanterns and Roman Candles.

WHERE AM I ALLOWED TO IGNITE FIREWORKS ON HOLIDAYS?

State law requires fireworks only be ignited from personal property. This means even on the days fireworks are allowed, it is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including streets/road and sidewalks), school property, church property or another person's property without their expressed permission.

ARE THERE ANY OTHER RESTRICTIONS I SHOULD BE AWARE OF?

Yes, you must be 18 years of age and state law makes it illegal to discharge fireworks while intoxicated. Furthermore, the person discharging fireworks can be held liable for property damage and/or personal injury of another, even when discharging fireworks during the allowable days and times.

FIREWORK INJURY STATISTICS (SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT BEFORE "LIGHTING UP"):

•Sparklers account for the greatest percentage of fireworks injuries reported nationally from any one type of firework (17%).

•Reloadable shells (14%) and firecrackers (13%) also top the list.

•46% of fireworks injuries are to hands and fingers.

•40% of fireworks injuries are suffered by people aged 25 to 44.

•68% of fireworks injuries are suffered by men, who are most injured by firecrackers, sparklers, bottle rockets, novelty devices, Roman candles, and reloadable shells.

•Over 40% of fireworks injuries reported nationally result from consumer fireworks (those banned in Michigan prior to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act).

WHAT IF I DON'T FOLLOW THE LAW?

Any firework use outside of the above limits is a violation of local ordinance and could lead to a fine of $500.00 for each violation. Furthermore, use of professional grade fireworks requires a permit first be obtained from the township clerk's office.

HAVE FUN, BE SAFE

The Sumpter Township Police Department reminds you to please use fireworks safely and within the law.