File photo of the fireworks in Alpena on July 4.

ALPENA – Many people celebrate the Independence Day holiday with fireworks. The best and safest way to do so is to attend a public fireworks display conducted by licensed pyrotechnics professionals. Thanks to the fundraising efforts of the Alpena Chamber of Commerce and generous support from many businesses and individuals, the Alpena Fireworks Show will be held on Friday July 3rd and will be launched from the water adjacent to Blair Street Park, offering broader and safe viewing. A map has been included showing public parking areas, restricted areas, and public restroom locations. Fireworks may be viewed from multiple public parks and locations around the City. For the safety of those viewing the fireworks, Blair Street, Blair Street Park, and the Blair Street Pier will be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians. Additionally, passenger vehicles are prohibited from parking in boat trailer parking spots within the Alpena Marina.

Food Trucks are not permitted on public property unless a permit has been issued by the City of Alpena and is displayed on the Food Truck. Daily permits are available. Deadline to apply for a Food Truck permit is July 2nd at 2 PM; City Hall will be closed on July 3rd. Food vendors that are not licensed, including cottage industries, are not allowed to sell food items on public property.

For those who prefer to light their own consumer fireworks, fire officials continue to urge caution. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission released a report showing that fireworks injuries continue to be a serious concern. In the most recent year of data, at least eight people died and an estimated 9,700 were treated in hospital emergency rooms for fireworks-related injuries. The National Fire Protection Association reports that fireworks caused over 12,200 fires across the U.S., including structure fires, vehicle fires, and wildfires. Experts agree that the safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a licensed public display.

Tips to Celebrate Safely:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.

• Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit–hot enough to melt

some metals

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap.

• Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device.

• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw

them away.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

• Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

• To prevent a trash fire, after fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding the device.

• Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

• Consider safe alternatives like glow sticks, noisemakers or red, white and blue silly

string.

The City of Alpena fireworks ordinance follows state law, which allows consumer fireworks only on June 29, 30, and July 1-4, between 11 a.m.and 11:45 p.m. Use outside of these dates and times is prohibited. Consumer fireworks may not be ignited on public property– including City parks and beaches–at any time, and doing so is illegal.

The ordinance also specifies that fireworks shall not be used without the written permission of the property owner, and users shall not be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.