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With summer in full swing and the July 4 holiday approaching, Saline Fire Chief Craig Hoeft has advice and some tips for anyone looking to make the night sky come alive with fireworks.
“We all enjoy fireworks. You will enjoy them more if you know your family is safe. If we all use good common sense it will be another great summer,” Hoeft said.
The rules governing fireworks use depend on where you live. The City of Saline ordinance states residents shall not ignite or discharge fireworks except on the day before, the day of, or the day after a national holiday.
Saline, Lodi and York townships do not have a special firework ordinance, so they follow the new looser state laws enacted last year.
Chief Hoeft offers the following tips for safe fireworks use.
- Kids should never play with fireworks.
- Do not hold fireworks in your hand.
- Remember sparklers reach 1800 degrees ( hot enough to melt gold) have kids keep them away from their face, hair and clothing.
- Have a bucket of water or a garden hose available for an emergency.
- Use that bucket to soak used fireworks before discarding.
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources offers the following additional suggestions:
- Point fireworks away from homes, and keep them away from brush, leaves and flammable substances. The NFPA estimates that local fire departments respond to an average of 19,700 fires caused by fireworks each year.
- Chinese lanterns can stay airborne for 20 minutes and reach up to one mile high before coming down in unplanned locations. The open flame has the potential to start fires.
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