Fireworks rules are changing in the Lansing area. Here's what you need to know

LANSING — Lansing residents can no longer shoot off fireworks to celebrate Thanksgiving. 

But they do have more days to light off firecrackers around the Fourth of July, seven this year. 

The city of Lansing is preparing to vote on an ordinance that would change when residents can light fireworks because of changes enacted by the Michigan Legislature last year.

What are the new fireworks rules?

The new ordinance will incorporate 2018 amendments to the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, which changes the dates when municipalities must allow fireworks. Previously, there were 30 days per year local governments couldn’t stop people from shooting off fireworks. Now, there are 12. They are: 

- Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. on Jan. 1.

- Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend until 11:45 p.m.

- June 29 to July 4, and July 5 if the date falls on a Friday or Saturday, until 11:45 p.m.

- Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend until 11:45 p.m.

The new state law also increases the fine charged for violating the law from $500 to $1,000 per violation. Half of the fine must go to the local law enforcement agency for enforcing the law. 

Meridian Township and East Lansing have already updated their ordinances to reflect the new law. Delta Township manager Brian Reed said the township plans to address the issue sometime this summer. 

The new amendment benefits consumers, sellers and municipalities, said Sean Conn, the vice president of legal for Big Fireworks, a Lansing fireworks wholesaler, because it  lets people use fireworks when they're most likely to want to use them. 

New regulations for fireworks sellers

The new law also tightens some restrictions on sellers. For example, under the new rules, with every purchase of consumer fireworks, retailers must provide a notice listing the dates and times people can use them.

“We don’t mind these increased regulations because it keeps out the bad doers," Conn said. 

City Council President Carol Wood said she's heard concerns from her constituents about the change. She said she liked that the new ordinance would limit fireworks around other holidays but said she was concerned there was too much time for people to shoot fireworks around the Fourth of July. 

“I’m not sure the legislature did a favor to communities by having that many days in a row," she said. 

A public hearing be set for Monday, June 24 at 7 p.m. at City Council. Council will vote on the proposal that night, Wood said. 

Where can't I light fireworks? 

You can't use consumer fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without permission. 

Who can sell fireworks? 

A person cannot sell consumer fireworks unless they have a fireworks certificate, according to the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. Applications for this season were due April 1. The certificate is valid until April 30 of the following year. 

Can fireworks be banned due to weather conditions? 

The governor, the state fire marshal or the head of the Department of Natural Resources can ban fireworks use in a county because of dry conditions. In addition, local fire chiefs have the authority to impose burn bans in their jurisdictions if the DNR has issued a fire risk criteria to "very high" for 72 hours. 

Contact reporter Haley Hansen at (517) 267-1344 or hhansen@lsj.com. Follow her on Twitter @halehansen.