The City of Jackson changed the city’s Fireworks Ordinance last month to reflect new state rules concerning fireworks. In December 2018, Gov. Rick Snyder signed new rules into law for using fireworks in Michigan.
The biggest change concerns the number of days that the public can use consumer fireworks. Consumer fireworks are large-scale aerial fireworks that shoot into the sky for a large visual effect. Previously, residents were allowed to use consumer fireworks the day before, the day of, and the day after national holidays. The City, in accordance with state law, now only allows the use of consumer fireworks on the following dates and times:
-From 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 31 until 1:00 a.m. on Jan. 1.
-From 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day.
-From 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on June 29 through July 4.
-July 5, if that date is a Friday or Saturday, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m.
-From 11:00 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day.
This means consumer fireworks will not be allowed on Memorial Day or Labor Day. This year, July 5 takes place on a Friday, so consumer fireworks will be permitted on that day.
The State of Michigan says because these fireworks cause so much noise, the changes are necessary to not disturb people who have to return to work the next morning. Additionally, the new changes mandate an increase in the amount of a civil fine for a violation of a local fireworks ordinance from $500 to $1,000.
The use of low-impact fireworks, such as small ground fireworks and handheld sparkling devices, are not impacted by these changes. Questions about fireworks usage can be directed to the Jackson Police Department at 517-788-4100.