The South Haven Police Department is reminding everyone about the rules for fireworks now that the summer is about here.
Chief Adam DeBoer tells us South Haven follows many of the same rules as the state when it comes to fireworks. A rule of thumb is that they can be used the day of and the day before major holidays. Speaking of which, Memorial Day is coming up soon.
“Memorial Day falls on May 25,” DeBoer said. “So the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day, fireworks are allowed. So May 23 and 24. They’re allowed to be shot from private property from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.”
DeBoer says for fireworks will be allowed the same hours on June 19 for Juneteenth. Independence Day is a bit different.
“Independence Day, July 4, always, always, the state says it has to be June 29 to July 4. So this year, June 29 to July 4, it’s like a week-long celebration for the 4th of July, especially given the 250 years, 11 a.m. to 11:45.”
For Labor Day weekend, fireworks can be set off on September 5 and 6 from 11 a..m. to 11:45 p.m.
DeBoer says there are also rules about where fireworks can be set off.
“All of our fireworks have to be used on private property. They can’t be on property owned by somebody else or controlled by the city of South Haven. So no parks, no beaches, no public right-of-ways, no roads, no schools. They have to be on private property. We also don’t allow them from vacation rentals.”
However, DeBoer says his officers will usually start out with a verbal warning to someone breaking the rules.
“Most of the time, our guys will go out there and they’ll kind of give them a warning and let them know they can’t do it. If we have to go back out, that’s usually when the enforcement takes place or if the people are just not listening, and enforcement is the way that we need to do it. So we try and enforce with the least amount of hurt to the person that we’re talking to. If they can stop doing it with just a verbal, we would much rather do it that way.”
Still, repeated violations can lead to the fine. DeBoer also urges everyone to be safe with fireworks.
“I’m sure our EMT counterparts can tell a lot of stories about guys that — and it’s usually guys — that hold the firework too long and end up missing some fingers. So if you’re going to do it, do it responsibly. If you’re going to do it with kids, keep the kids away. Let the adults light the fireworks. And we hope everyone has a safe holiday season this year.”
Finally, DeBoer says all public fireworks displays must be obtained through an application to the city council and comply with all requirements of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. He notes the state in 2011 loosened the restrictions on what kinds of fireworks the average consumer may use. The best way to be compliant with state rules is to purchase fireworks from a licensed retailer.
Anyone with questions about the rules for fireworks in a given municipality should contact that local government office.
