GR, Wyoming, Kentwood vote on fireworks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - The Grand Rapids City Commission voted unanimously Tuesday night to allow city residents to use fireworks 30 days out of the year.

Grand Rapids residents can now only use fireworks on 10 national holidays, as well as the day before and the day after these holidays --

- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Washington's Birthday
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day

Under the ordinance, violators could go to jail for 90 days and get a $500 fine.

Read complete details of the ordinance on pages 345 to 352 of the Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting Agenda (pdf)

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The City of Wyoming on Monday night passed a similar ban. Calling it an emergency ordinance, the city council voted to ban the use of these new fireworks on any day other than a holiday, plus the day before and after that holiday. Violations fall under the city's disturbing the peace ordinance.

The city council said some residents had expressed concern over non-professionals using the consumer-grade fireworks. Others were upset about the noise.

The Wyoming ordinances go into effect on June 23.

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City officials in Kentwood on Monday approved the same holiday rules regarding fireworks, as well as prohibiting use and possession by minors.

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A state law went into effect this year allowing the sale and purchase of more powerful consumer-grade fireworks.

A picture of a chart showing legal fireworks in Michigan

Michigan's current list of legal fireworks for residents without special permits is generally limited to ground-based or novelty items such as sparklers, smoke devices, toy snakes and toy noisemakers.