GR fireworks ban headed to final vote

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A proposed ordinance to restrict the use of recently-legalized consumer-grade fireworks in Grand Rapids will be voted on next week.

Michigan law currently states that local municipalities can't prohibit residents from setting off the larger, more powerful fireworks on the 10 national holidays, the day before and the day after.

Grand Rapids's proposed ordinance would ban setting off the fireworks on all other days.

-- Read the full text of the proposal (pdf) --

The proposed ordinance unanimously passed its first reading Tuesday morning, 24 Hour News 8 learned at an evening City Commission meeting.

The proposal will go before the commission for a final vote on June 19. If it passes, will go into effect July 1.

Under the ordinance, it would be a misdemeanor to set off fireworks in Grand Rapids on days other than the 30 specified by the state law -- meaning those who do could go to jail for 90 days and get a $500 fine.   

City residents would still be allowed to use recreational fireworks like sparklers at any time.

-- Chart of legal fireworks in Michigan (jpg) --

The 10 national 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