Michigan's new fireworks law allows people to buy more powerful fireworks thoughout the year, but the use is still restricted to private property.
HOLLAND, Mich. (WZZM) - Michigan's new fireworks law already has business booming and customers celebrating, but it also brings additional safety challenges.
The law, which went into effect in January, allows people to buy and use more powerful fireworks throughout the year. Yet local governments can determine how strictly they will enforce the law.
Captain Chris Tinney with the Holland Fire Department says its important the public knows what they're dealing with when it comes to fireworks.
"Whenever we have objects that leave the ground, we don't always know where they come down," says Tinney. "They also may have devices with more pyrotechnical material in them."
The law only allows people to use the fireworks on private property.
"The law explicitly prohibits the use of fireworks on public property, schools, and churches without explicit approval," says Capt. Tinney.
Each local government is allowed to regulate the use of the new fireworks if it chooses, but any city ordinance to limit fireworks use wouldn't apply during national holidays.
"You could still use those fireworks the day before a holiday, the day of a holiday and the day after a holiday, so that's roughly 30 days out of the year," says Tinney.
Firefighters say fireworks are usually the most dangerous on private property when unsupervised.
"Neighbors should make sure the fireworks are being supervised," says Tinney. "You have to be over the age of 18 to use these fireworks."
Capt. Tinney says so far there haven't been any fireworks-related incidents in Holland since the new law.
The state law also adds an additional fee for fireworks purchases. Some of the money collected will be used for fireworks safety programs.