Fire officials across the Tri-Cities and Great Lakes Bay Region are urging residents to follow fireworks laws and prioritize safety as Fourth of July celebrations approach.
In Tittabawassee Township, Fire Chief Philip Shaver said the department has seen hand injuries and burns, often from people grabbing sparklers or fireworks while they’re still hot. He also warned that firework debris can be dangerous if not fully extinguished.
“If the debris falls and it’s still hot on somebody’s house, you can catch somebody’s house on fire,” he said.
Under Michigan law, consumer-grade fireworks are only allowed from June 29 through July 5, between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Local ordinances in Midland, Saginaw and Tittabawassee Township align with those state rules.
John Jurek, fire marshal for the city of Midland, said his department’s biggest concerns are injuries and fires caused by unsafe handling.
“We don't want children that are underage using any kind of fireworks without supervision of an adult,” he said. “We also need people... to be mindful of... grass or vegetation in the area that can easily ignite... that’s one of our big concerns.”
Jurek said that while consumer-grade items like bottle rockets and Roman candles are permitted, larger aerial shells, known as display fireworks, are not.
“The types that are not allowed are what’s referred to or known as… 1.3G,” Jurek said. “They’re large explosive items for public display.”
Those display-grade fireworks include large mortar shells typically used in professional shows like the one planned for downtown Midland. Jurek said individuals must be licensed to use them, and they are not permitted for use by the general public.
Shaver said that fireworks classified as novelties, such as poppers or snakes, are allowed year-round in Tittabawassee Township. However, he said that even permitted fireworks pose risks if not handled carefully.
“Make sure they know if something didn’t go off,” he said. “Don’t go near it for at least a good hour just in case it happens to go off by itself.”
Both departments recommend using fireworks in open spaces, keeping a hose or bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby and assigning a sober adult to supervise.
In a press release from the city of Saginaw, Fire Marshal Derron Suchodolski also urged residents to use good judgment and prepare for emergencies.
“Even sparklers should be used with caution, as the average temperature may exceed 1,200 degrees,” Suchodolski said. “Let’s make this 4th of July a fun and safe holiday. Remember, alcohol and fireworks do not mix.”
Fire departments are preparing for the weekend with added readiness. Midland will staff extra crews for its public show and Tittabawassee Township is coordinating an on-call volunteer roster. Local police will handle ordinance enforcement.
Violating local fireworks ordinances can result in a $95 municipal civil infraction in Tittabawassee Township, while in Saginaw, residents may face fines up to $1,000 for unauthorized fireworks use.
Shaver advised people not to touch fireworks that don’t go off or may still be hot, he said they could still explode unexpectedly. He said taking basic precautions can help prevent injuries or fires.
“Be safe and enjoy the 4th of July weekend,” Shaver said.
Where to watch fireworks:
- Midland – July 4, starting at 10:06 p.m. from the downtown area. Viewing is recommended from the Dow Diamond lawn. A downtown block party begins at 8 p.m.
- Saginaw – July 4, starting around 10 p.m. over the Saginaw River and Ojibway Island. A flag-raising ceremony will be held at 10 a.m. on the Court Street Bridge, with food trucks and family activities throughout the day.
- Bay City – July 2–5 festival with fireworks July 3-5 and the largest show on July 5. Fireworks start at 10:12 p.m. each night.
