Tagged: fireworks

Lansing has joined other Michigan cities in clamping down on the use of exploding fireworks.

Last Summer, neighborhoods in Lansing and many other  Michigan cities sounded like mini- war zones, as many residents took advantage of a new state law allowing larger, consumer grade fireworks to be bought in the state.

But while the fireworks were very popular among those setting them off, many other residents were upset that their summer nights were disturbed by constant bangs, whizzing and explosions, long after the Fourth of July.   

A state House panel will look at how Michigan’s new fireworks law is working, and could recommend changes.

There have been complaints about loud explosions late into the night since the law was passed earlier this year.

State Representative Harold Haugh wrote the law, which allows retailers who buy a license to sell more-powerful fireworks. It also preempts any local fireworks bans on the day before, the day of, and the day after 10 national holidays.

Haugh says the law is a success, and it does not stop local governments from enforcing noise ordinances.

Michigan’s newly-loosened fireworks law has meant an extra boon for some local businesses and landowners this summer.

It’s hard to tell just how much that law has really boosted fireworks sales. But its impact is visible along Woodward Avenue just north of Detroit, where outdoor fireworks stands have popped up alongside the road.

At one site in Royal Oak, a bright-yellow container shell advertises things like Roman candles and artillery in huge letters.

A confluence of Heat Advisories in 34 Michigan counties, drought-like conditions in the southern half of the state, and relaxed consumer firework legislation could make this year's Independence Day celebrations more dangerous than usual. 

The AP reports that two Lansing-area communities have postponed tomorrow's annual firework shows because of warm and dry weather that's settled in across the state.

Michigan officials are urging people to use caution with fireworks and outdoor fires as some areas face what's described as dangerously dry conditions.

Here are some tips from The National Council on Fireworks Safety about how you can stay safe this holiday.

Michigan could soon expand the lineup of legal fireworks that consumers can buy without special permits.

The state Legislature has approved measures that would allow some consumer fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets and Roman candles to legally be sold in the state. Governor Snyder likely will sign the bill in time for it to become law in 2012.

Next July 4th, you might find more than just your garden variety sparklers and smoke snakes at Michigan fireworks stands.

The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act passed the Michigan House yesterday and moves onto the Michigan Senate.

The law will allow people to buy fireworks in a category "that includes aerial devices and other more spectacular devices" without a permit, according to a legislative analysis.

More from the Associated Press:

The legislation could change the summer routine for state residents who now drive into border states to buy fireworks that aren't legal in Michigan. Some types of bottle rockets and Roman candles are among the fireworks that would become legal if the measure becomes law.

"We've come up with a reasonable solution to prevent our residents from going to Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and purchasing these consumer-grade fireworks," said Rep. Harold Haugh, a Democrat from Roseville and the bill's sponsor.

The state could bring in around $5.5 million annually in sales taxes and fees, according to the legislative analysis of the bill. The potential revenue numbers were derived from similar legislation passed in Indiana in 2006.

State insurance officials are urging Michiganders to keep their financial liability in mind when they host Independence Day festivities this weekend.   

The Fourth of July weekend, a time to fire up the barbecue, take friends on the pontoon boat and toss the kids in the back yard pool.   But are you covered just in case something goes wrong? 

Large fireworks might be sold in Michigan before Independence Day next year.

That’s if  Democratic state Representative Harold Haugh has his way.

Haugh has been working on legislation for a couple years that would allow the sale of large, consumer-grade fireworks that are already sold in surrounding states.

Consumer-grade fireworks are more powerful than the low-grade fireworks currently available in Michigan, but are less explosive than large pyrotechnic displays.

Haugh says selling large fireworks in the state would fit Governor Rick Snyder’s call to make Michigan more friendly to small businesses.

He says the potential increased revenue comes from both stores and roadside tents.

"The speculation was there could be as many as 200 buildings statewide go up that are going to sell consumer-grade fireworks," said Haugh. "Now with the tent issue, it could be as many as another 400 tents that sell consumer-grade fireworks."

Haugh says the additional sales of fireworks could bring in as much as $12 million to the state, and he says the decision to sell large fireworks would be up to local governments.

"I mean they own it. It’s not the people of the state of Michigan. It’s not the people up here," said Haugh. "It's the local community that will own the issue of selling consumer-grade fireworks."

Opponents say the larger fireworks are not safe and are too noisy. But Haugh says he thinks his proposal is gaining support in the Legislature.

He hopes to get the measure approved before the end of the year.