ALPENA — For the last several years, fireworks use in Alpena has kept many people awake, petrified pets, and increased the threat of fire from sparks and flame.

After Michigan’s Fireworks Safety Act of 2012 was passed in Lansing, which made the use and availability of fireworks more liberal, there was a noticeable increase in the number of ground-to-air explosives used in neighborhoods. The fireworks often projected a loud boom when exploding, disturbing for those trying to sleep.

After considering concerns from local units of government, the state revised its fireworks law again last year, and the Alpena Municipal Council is considering updates to its own ordiances based on the new state law.

If the city’s amendment passes, it should help residents sleep better during the days around major holidays, while also allowing people who enjoy small fireworks displays the opportunity to have them.

At Monday’s council meeting, city attorney Bill Pfeifer gave the first reading of the potential changes to the city’s fireworks ordinance. If approved, it would still allow people to use consumer-grade fireworks during certain holidays, but would also limit the times of day fireworks could be used.

Fire Chief Bill Forbush said there is no middle ground: The city can use the state’s set of rules or not have any local enforcement rules.

“We can regulate them the way they want us to, or not at all,” Forbush said.

People who violate the new rules in the ordinance, if approved, could be given a $1,000 fine, $500 of which would go to the police agency responsible for enforcing the ordinance.

Alpena Police Chief Joel Jett said his officers will respond to complaints, if needed, but he hopes the public will consider the rights and privacy of those around them when using fireworks, especially those that are loud.

“Unfortunately, we will always have people who don’t play by the rules,” Jett said. “We understand people want to have a good time and celebrate the holidays, but we hope they will do so in a respectful, safe and considerate manner. Just be a good neighbor. If you know someone next door has to wake up in the morning, be conscious and respectful of that.”

The new ordinance would allow fireworks to be used from 11 a.m. on New Year’s Eve until 1 a.m. Jan.1, as well as the Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day and Labor Day, from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m. Fireworks would also be allowed from June 29 through July 4, from 11 a.m. until 11:45 p.m., and July 5 if it lands on a Friday or Saturday.

Low-impact fireworks, such as sparklers and fireworks that don’t leave the ground, are allowed year-round.

Forbush said a total ban on the use of fireworks can be implemented if a no-burn warning is issued by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. The no-burn mandate needs to be in place for 72 consecutive hours before a ban on fireworks is made.

The use of sky lanterns would also be prohibited. Those in the possesion of them could receive a fine, as well as those who are selling them or storing them within the city.

Forbush said those types of devices are dangerous because they leave the ground and it’s impossible to predict where they will land.

“We’ve seen them come down on people’s houses, in trees and in powerlines,” he said. “They also travel very far from where they were launched and there is no control over them once they are airborne.”

The council is expected to have the second reading of the amendment at its June 13 meeting and then vote on the issue.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 at sschulwitz@thealpenanews.com. Follow him on Twitter @ss_alpeanews.com.