If you are tempted to celebrate this Fourth of July with your own private fireworks show in Orion Township, beware. You could be charged with a misdemeanor.
Orion Township Fire Assistant Chief Bob Smith said the township cracked down on fireworks when Ordinance 64 was passed in the early 1980s. The ordinance makes it illegal to possess or use any kind of firework, including sparklers, fountains and toy snakes.
“We’re not even allowing poppers,” said Smith. “They are flammable, and you have to be 18 to purchase them.”
Smith said if he sees displays of fireworks for sale in Orion Township, he is asking that they be taken down.
“We’re not about taking fun away, but we want people to be safe,” he said. “Statistics show that in 1998, it was estimated that more than 8,500 people visited hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries.
“Fifty-five percent were for burns to the hands, eyes and head, and 40 percent were under the age of 15,” said Smith. “We do such an aggressive policing action (in Orion Township) that we keep it relatively safe, but we’re overwhelmed each year.”
Village of Lake Orion Police Chief Jerry Narsh said that according to Michigan law, any firework that leaves the ground or makes a loud noise is illegal.
“In Orion, we don’t even allow sparklers…by virtue of the fire chief’s position, sparklers burn at incredible temperatures,” he said.
Smith said the type of material used in sparklers is a low grade of that used to make bombs.
“If it gets on you, it will stick to you,” he added. “It’s unfortunate, everyone loves fireworks, but they are so dangerous.”
“Michigan has banned them for a number of reasons,” said Narsh. “Property damage and injuries being the main concern.”
According to Smith, the fire department has responded to some minor injuries due to fireworks.
“Kids get burned…people don’t think,” he said. “Nothing life-threatening, though, thank God. But there’s always the potential.”
Narsh said the week before and for up to two weeks after the Fourth of July holiday the police department responds to dozens of calls related to fireworks.
“We respond to numerous complaints from neighbors who are annoyed…some fireworks are classified as explosives,” he said. “A person using fireworks can be charged criminally.
“Anytime fireworks are observed being used or possessed in Orion, an officer will give you a ticket, and it’s a misdemeanor. You can go to court “