With easier access to fireworks, Dearborn’s neighborhoods have become increasingly prone to firework usage over the past few summers. However, a city ordinance states that fireworks can only be used on certain days at certain times.

DEARBORN — As we near the Fourth of July, it becomes the norm to hear the spontaneous blare of fireworks in Dearborn’s neighborhoods. However, most parents and minors might not be aware of state and city laws that implement rules regarding the selling and usage of fireworks; and it could amount to a hefty fine for business owners and residents if they aren’t obeyed.

In 2012, the state removed the ban on the sale and use of various types of low impact airborne fireworks, classifying them as “consumer” fireworks. These include bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers and other items that lift off the ground when discharged. A retailer who sells fireworks is also required to carry a license, certified by the state, which must be renewed every year. 

With easier access to fireworks, Dearborn’s neighborhoods have seen an increase in firework usage over the past few summers. However, a city ordinance states that fireworks can only be used on certain days at certain times. 

The city has been strictly enforcing a policy that restricts firework usage to the day before, day of, or day after national holidays, such as the Fourth of July and Memorial Day. The ordinance also states that no use is allowed between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m., with the exception of New Year’s Day, when the use is extended to 1 a.m. 

A violation of this rule is considered a civil infraction, punishable by fines of up to $500. The city of Dearborn issued a press release earlier this week that stated the offense would be considered a misdemeanor. Two days later, a revised press release stated that it would only amount to a civil infraction, with the $500 fine still intact. 

However, it appears some Dearborn Police Officers had followed the original memo sent out by the city. One disgruntled local parent contacted The Arab American News office on Tuesday, claiming that his 18-year-old son received a $500 ticket by a police officer for discharging fireworks in a neighborhood located near Warren Ave and Schafer Rd. The officer had marked the offense as a misdemeanor, which could result in the youth being sentenced to 90 days in jail.

“I have never heard of them giving tickets for fireworks before,” said the parent. “It doesn’t seem fair that my son was targeted when underage kids in the entire neighborhood could be heard using fireworks.”

The parent also noted that his children can easily go to any local business and purchase fireworks, despite being underage.

According to the city, the officers who issued misdemeanor offenses did so in error, and all those tickets will be dismissed and reissued as civil infractions. 

Last summer, The Arab American News published a report regarding local businesses that were selling fireworks to minors.  However, in a recent e-mail to the paper, Mary Laundroche, the director of Public Information for the city of Dearborn, stated that the city cannot regulate “the sale, display, storage, transportation or distribution of fireworks,” as that would fall under the regulation of the state. 

Local resident Sarah Jaber, who lives near Hemlock Park, said minors setting off fireworks has become a growing concern in her neighborhood. They also break the city’s noise ordinance, because the fireworks are discharged in the wee hours of the morning.

“There’s a rampant increase of minors playing with fireworks during the midnight hours in my neighborhood,” Jaber said. “It’s not only disruptive to my sleep schedule, but a fire hazard as well. Where are the parents? Why are they not monitoring their children and keeping them out of harms way.” 

Jaber added that anyone could drive through Dearborn’s east end neighborhoods and witness groups of children discharging fireworks on sidewalks and street corners. 

It does appear that the Dearborn Police Department has been buckling down on this trend. Over the last week, police issued several tickets to individuals who discharged fireworks in neighborhoods. According to Laundroche, both a minor and a parent can receive a ticket if a minor discharges fireworks on a non-allowable day. A parent can also be charged with a misdemeanor offense if they receive a parental responsibility ticket. 

But despite these enforcement measures, it appears children still have easy access to fireworks as they are able to purchase them from many local shops, which have obtained a license. In many instances, parents might not even be aware that their child is obtaining fireworks and discharging them. 

One local mother told The Arab American News that her two underage sons had gone to a few local stores along Greenfield Road in the last few weeks and purchased fireworks without her permission.

“Are they going to wait until one of these kids gets severely injured before they do something about it?” she asked.

According to the state’s website, a penalty for selling fireworks to someone under the age of 18 could result in $500-$1,000 in fines, along with jail time, depending on local laws. A business’ license to sell fireworks would also be revoked for up to 90 days.

In the meantime, the city’s press release urged parents to use extreme caution around their children when it comes to the usage of fireworks.

“Even though powerful fireworks are legal in Michigan, their use still carries the same potential dangers and liabilities,” the press release stated. “Every year, thousands of dollars in property damage is reported due to fires caused by the unsafe use of fireworks. Additionally, it’s estimated that 200 people per day go to the emergency room for fireworks-related injuries during the period surrounding the Fourth of July.” 

Dearborn residents are encouraged to call 313.943.3030 to anonymously report unsafe or illegal activity in their neighborhood, or to call 9-1-1 if there is a dangerous or emergency situation.