July Fourth Fireworks: Like It Or Not, They're Back

Editor's Note: this article originally ran on July 3, 2015. We thought it was worth running again because the information is still useful, and because of the special caution required in light of the City's recent ban on open fires due to dry conditions.

The fourth of July marks the date when the Declaration of Independence was adopted in the United States, but over the years the holiday has become most closely associated with elaborate displays of fireworks.

Many take great pleasure in participating in the annual festivities. One such enthusiast is a local resident who chose to remain anonymous. This person told me the following, “Since I was a little kid, fireworks have been something I enjoyed. They remind me of summer and let you know that everyone's enjoying themselves and having a good time. I used to go to a lot of family gatherings or neighborhood parties where we would have huge, professional-grade fireworks even though they were illegal then. The police used to come all the time but nobody ever really got in trouble.”

This source views fireworks as a symbol of the freedom of summer time and as an attraction that can be enjoyed by the general public. The numbers that pack parking lots and crowd atop parking garages to witness firework shows certainly seem to support this idea.

But not everyone has such a positive view of the raucous tradition. There are those that begrudge the proliferation of firework displays during this time of year. Oakwood neighborhood homeowner Rob Nichols objects partly because he’s certain that he’s hearing “illegal display fireworks like M-80s” and partly because fireworks pose a hazard in neighborhoods like Oakwood with numerous wood-framed and shingled houses as well as many trees.

The East Lansing Police Department is a relevant resource for similarly concerned citizens who are troubled by the illegal use of fireworks. East Lansing City Code states that consumer fireworks can only be discharged on the day preceding, the day of or the day after a national holiday. Even on those days, it is prohibited to discharge fireworks between the hours of 1:00AM and 8:00AM.

Although some of the specifications of this code are not stated in state law, ELPD Lieutenant Steve Gonzalez explains that “State law allows for the limiting of the discharge of fireworks. With our densely populated neighborhoods, a quality of life issue was identified with respect to the discharge of fireworks. By limiting their use the danger and noise associated with them is greatly reduced.”

To report firework violations, citizens can contact the police department on the non-emergency dispatch line (351-4220). Officers will be dispatched to the area to investigate the complaint.

Regardless of personal opinion about the entertainment value or annoyance factor of fireworks, it is critical for everyone to keep fire safety in mind during the fourth of July. Gonzalez emphasized this concern: “It is important to note that fireworks can pose a danger to trees and surrounding structures, especially homes. The sometimes close-knit make up of our neighborhoods can increase the likelihood that a firework can land on a home causing a fire. We have had this happen in the past.”

By keeping city code and safety concerns a top priority, all East Lansing citizens should be able to have a safe and enjoyable holiday. 

Photo: Epic Fireworks on Flickr