LANSING, MICH. - Every summer, thousands of Michiganders celebrate Independence Day with consumer fireworks. But when used improperly, these festivities can lead to injuries, fires, property damage, or even death. That’s why the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) and State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes urge everyone to use fireworks responsibly and make safety a priority this holiday.
"As we celebrate this holiday, I urge all residents to enjoy fireworks responsibly,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of LARA. “Safety must come first — follow all local laws, keep a safe distance, and never allow children to handle fireworks unsupervised. Let’s work together to prevent injuries and ensure a safe, memorable experience for everyone."
More than 9,700 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for fireworks-related injuries. According to a 2023 report from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 66% of these injuries occur in the weeks before and after the July 4th holiday (Fireworks | CPSC.gov).
“Each year, Michiganders mark Independence Day with backyard fireworks displays,” said State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes. “We’re asking everyone to take a moment to review some key safety tips before purchasing, handling, or launching fireworks. When you use consumer fireworks, the safety of your friends, family, and neighbors is in your hands.”
Fireworks Safety Tips
Before you celebrate, take time to understand how to safely set up, use, and clean up fireworks to help protect your family, your neighbors, and your property.
Setup and Supervision
- Only purchase consumer fireworks from a licensed retailer to avoid fake, illegal, or poorly made products that may be mislabeled or dangerous.
- Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Sparklers burn between 1,200°F and 1,800°F, hotter than glass melts. For perspective, cake bakes at 350°
- Always have an adult supervise fireworks, including those involving teens or sparklers.
- Set up a safe perimeter of at least 25 feet away from people, buildings, dry grass, or flammable items.
- Make sure people and pets are safely out of range before lighting fireworks.
- Only light fireworks outdoors on a solid, non-flammable surface like concrete. Avoid lighting on grass, mulch, wood decks, or other combustible surfaces.
Lighting and Cleaning Up
- Light one firework at a time and immediately back away.
- Keep a garden hose or bucket of water nearby in case of fire or other mishaps.
- Use a long-handed metal tool, like a shovel, to pick up used fireworks and place them in a bucket of water or a metal containers.
- Soak all used fireworks in water before throwing them away to prevent trash fires.
Every year, fires start in trashcans, garages, and sheds due to improperly discarded fireworks, sometimes even hours later. Boxes, wrappers, and other debris can ignite if not soaked first. That’s why soaking discarded fireworks is essential, not optional.
Keep Your Family Safe: Avoid These Common Fireworks Dangers
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Don’t experiment with or make your own fireworks.
- Don’t use unlabeled fireworks or those wrapped in brown paper—these are made for professional use only and can be unpredictable.
- Don’t allow young children to handle or ignite fireworks.
- Don’t place any part of your body directly over a firework when lighting the fuse.
- Don’t try to re-light fireworks that don’t go off. Wait at least 15 minutes, then soak them in water.
- Don’t point or throw fireworks at people.
- Don’t light fireworks in metal or glass containers. They can explode and cause serious injuries.
- Don’t ignite aerial fireworks while holding them. Always place them on a flat, solid outdoor surface.
Know the Law Before You Light Fireworks; It’s Your Responsibility:
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Consumer-grade fireworks may only be ignited on personal property.
- It is illegal to use fireworks on public property, including streets, sidewalks, schools, churches, or on someone else’s property without permission.
- It is illegal to use fireworks while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
- You must be 18 or older to purchase consumer fireworks in Michigan.
- Local communities may have their own restrictions. It’s your responsibility to check with yours before lighting fireworks.
- Additional Fireworks Safety Tips for Michiganders, can be found here.
Call the Fireworks Complaint Hotline 24/7 at (517) 388-6715 to report the illegal retail sales of consumer grade and low impact fireworks. To report a fireworks nuisance or noise ordinance violation, please contact your local municipality.
For a list of legal consumer fireworks, legal low-impact fireworks, and novelties, view the Michigan Fireworks Product Guide.
From all of us at LARA and the Bureau of Fire Services, we wish you a safe and happy Independence Day.
