For many Americans, July Fourth is the peak of summer with cookouts, parades, and fireworks coming together for a quintessentially American experience.

While fireworks are a favorite at many summertime gatherings, they are also dangerous and can cause serious injuries, including burns and even amputation. Since 2012, when Michigan legalized the use of more powerful consumer grade fireworks, the number of fireworks-related injuries has nearly doubled.

For people who wish to celebrate July Fourth with fireworks, here are some important things you should know to keep your Fourth of July celebration safe.

When Can You Light Fireworks in Michigan?

Michigan law prohibits people from using fireworks on public property, school grounds, church property, and another person’s private property without first obtaining the owner’s consent.

In addition to statewide fireworks laws, local governments can pass laws that regulate when people can use “consumer grade” fireworks. However, these local laws cannot prohibit the use of consumer grade fireworks on the following dates and times:

• New Year’s Eve from 11:00 am until New Year’s Day at 1:00 am
• The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm
• June 29 until July 4 from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm
• July 5 from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm, but only if it falls on a Friday or Saturday
• The Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day, from 11:00 am until 11:45 pm

These are the dates and times when local ordinances must permit the use of consumer grade fireworks. Local governments can allow people to use consumer grade fireworks on additional days.

Under state law, any municipal ordinance that regulates the use of consumer grade fireworks “shall impose a civil fine of $1,000 for each violation of the ordinance and no other fine or sanction.”

What Kinds of Fireworks Can I Use?

In Michigan, you can lawfully use consumer grade fireworks like sparklers, smoke bombs, and Roman candles. These fireworks can be purchased from a store for use on personal property. Selling fireworks to minors (people under age 18) is illegal.

Important Fireworks Safety Tips

If you plan to use fireworks, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Ann Arbor police and fire departments recommend the following fire safety tips:

• Have a hose, bucket, or other water source nearby
• Prepare an ignition area by wetting an area at least 30 feet in diameter
• Light fireworks on a paved surface away from grass, trees, and other vegetation
• Soak used fireworks in water before discarding them
• Watch for fires in grass and shrubs for 30 minutes after using fireworks
• Only use fireworks during the times allowed by state or local laws
• Do not use aerial fireworks in state parks or recreation areas
• Keep children at a safe distance

Common Causes of Fireworks Accidents in Michigan

The use of fireworks is popular throughout Michigan and across the country; however, using fireworks can be dangerous. The most common injuries caused by fireworks include burns, hand and finger injuries from a firework exploding while being held or when it does not go off as expected, eye injuries caused by sparks or flying debris, hearing damage, and facial injuries.

These injuries can be caused by:

• Misuse of fireworks, such as aiming them at buildings or people
• Igniting fireworks too close to other people
• Fireworks tipping over when placed on an uneven surface
• Failure to follow proper instructions for the safe use of fireworks
• Allowing children to discharge fireworks
• Failure to keep a source of water nearby
• Holding fireworks in your hands when lighting them

Professional Fireworks Displays in Michigan

Cities throughout Michigan will host professional fireworks displays on July Fourth or in the days leading up to the holiday. You may want to consider the following professional fireworks displays:

• Salute to America at Greenfield Village
• Manchester Fireworks (July 3)
• Lake Erie Metropark Fireworks (July 3)
• Whitmore Lake Fireworks (July 3)
• Light Up the Lake - South Haven (July 3)
• Dexter Fireworks
• Pinkney Fireworks
• National Cherry Festival (Traverse City)
• Fourth of July Fireworks in Grand Haven
• Island Fireworks on Mackinac Island
• Fireworks on West Bay - Grand Marais
• Grand Rapids Fireworks (July 5)

What To Do If You Were Injured in a Michigan Fireworks Accident

If you or a loved one was hurt in a Michigan fireworks accident, you might be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. When a fireworks accident causes injuries, you should seek medical attention as quickly as possible. Once you have addressed the physical injuries, you may consider pursuing legal action against the person or people responsible for causing the injuries.

The personal injury attorneys at Muth Law can analyze your situation and work to identify the responsible parties. These may include the person or people who acted negligently and caused the fireworks accident, a property owner who failed to take proper precautions to protect their guests, and the fireworks manufacturer or retailer.

Contact Muth Law Today

For more information and to learn more about holding the responsible parties liable for the harm they caused, contact the personal injury attorneys at Muth Law today. We have over 40 years experience representing injured people in Michigan, and we will fight to protect your rights and recover the financial compensation you and your family deserve.