Full Notification

As we approach Independence Day, please take a moment to become familiar with the firework use ordinance in Sumpter Township.

Firework use without a township permit is prohibited by local ordinance except as specifically allowed by state law, which requires that consumer fireworks be allowed on the following days, after 11:00 a.m.:

- Dec 31 until 1:00 a.m. on Jan 1

- The Sat and Sun before Memorial Day, until 11:45 p.m.

- Jun 29 to Jul 4, until 11:45 p.m.

- Jul 5, only if it falls on a Fri or Sat, until 11:45 p.m.

- The Sat and Sun before Labor Day, until 11:45 p.m.

WHAT ARE CONSUMER FIREWORKS?

Consumer fireworks generally refer to fireworks that explode and/or leave the ground. Typical 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 to be ignited from personal property. This means even on the dates 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 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 highest percentage of fireworks injuries reported nationally from any 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 to those 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 before the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act).

WHAT IF I DON'T FOLLOW THE LAW?

Firework use outside of the above limits is a violation of the local ordinance and could lead to a fine of $500.00 for each violation. Furthermore, the use of professional-grade fireworks requires a permit first to 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.