Avoid a July 4th Fireworks Fiasco: Important Firework Safety Information

Fireworks are a Fourth of July tradition, from handheld sparklers to professional displays. A celebration can turn in seconds when someone is badly hurt. For 2025, the CPSC reported at least 15 deaths and an estimated 13,000 emergency-department injuries tied to fireworks.

Michigan and many cities also regulate when, where and which consumer fireworks you can use. If you are injured because of someone else’s negligence, talk with a burn injury or personal injury lawyer. This is a guide to using fireworks more safely and within Michigan law.

WHAT DAYS ARE FIREWORKS ALLOWED UNDER MICHIGAN LAW?

MCL 28.457 lets cities and townships limit consumer-fireworks hours, but they cannot restrict use after 11 a.m. on these dates:

• New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31) until 1 a.m. New Year’s Day
• The Saturday and Sunday immediately before Memorial Day, until 11:45 p.m. each day
• June 29 through July 4, each day, until 11:45 p.m. (not only weekends)
• July 5, if it is a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.
• The Saturday and Sunday immediately before Labor Day, until 11:45 p.m. each day

Those windows are the statewide “protected” times. On other days, local ordinances may be stricter or quieter. Check your city or township before you light anything.

State and local officials and fire departments can still ban fireworks for weather or other safety risks. Retailers may not sell consumer fireworks to anyone under 18 (MCL 28.462). Using consumer or low-impact fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs is a civil infraction with a fine of up to $1,000. Using them on public property, school or church property, or someone else’s land without permission can bring a fine of up to $500. A local-hours ordinance typically carries a $1,000 civil fine per violation.

ARE THERE LAWS ABOUT WHERE PRIVATE CITIZENS CAN SET OFF FIREWORKS?

Yes. Consumer fireworks sold at retail may be used on your own private property, or on someone else’s property if the owner gives express permission. It is illegal to set them off on public property, school property, church property or another person’s land without that permission.

Aerial consumer fireworks such as Roman candles and bottle rockets are not allowed at Michigan state parks, trails and harbors. Novelty items such as sparklers, snakes and poppers may be used at state parks and campgrounds. Because fireworks can trigger PTSD in combat veterans, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency ask park and campground visitors to consider quieter ways to celebrate.

WHICH KINDS OF FIREWORKS ARE PERMITTED FOR PERSONAL USE?

If you follow the days, hours and property rules, Michigan generally allows consumer fireworks, including:

• Roman candles
• Bottle rockets
• Missile-type rockets
• Aerials and reloadable shell devices
• Firecrackers
• Helicopter / aerial spinners
• Single-tube devices with report

Novelty and low-impact items (often allowed more broadly, including many state parks and campgrounds):

• Sparklers and ground sparkling devices
• Snaps and poppers
• Snakes
• Smoke devices

Buy only devices labeled for consumer use, not professional display fireworks.

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

Fireworks are hazardous substances under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Sparklers look mild but can burn at about 2,000°F, hot enough to melt some metals.

• Never let young children play with or light fireworks, including sparklers
• An adult should supervise every lighting
• Light one device at a time, then move back. Never lean over the fuse
• Do not point or throw fireworks, including sparklers, at people or pets
• Keep a hose or bucket of water nearby
• Soak used or dud fireworks thoroughly. Do not relight a misfire
• Use only consumer-labeled products
• Do not use fireworks while impaired
• Recheck local rules; some cities are stricter than the statewide protected days

OUR EXPERIENCED PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS CAN HELP

We want everyone to have a safe holiday. Accidents still happen. If you or a loved one is burned or otherwise injured because of someone else’s negligence, our burn injury and personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation.

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