With the Fourth of July fast approaching, I have received many questions about fireworks. Fireworks remain a staple for evening and weekend enjoyment during the holiday weekend.

Due to a change in Michigan’s law, consumers may now legally purchase and use more powerful fireworks, including firecrackers, bottle rockets, sky lanterns, and Roman candles. The sale and use of consumer fireworks became legal Jan. 1, 2012. There also is legislation that allows any city, township or village to enact an ordinance banning overnight “ignition, discharge or use” of consumer fireworks on the day before, the day of, and the day after a national holiday.

Local units of government already have the ability to limit usage on all other days of the year. Violations could be punished by a maximum civil fine of $500. Always be sure to check local ordinances prior to using fireworks or sky lanterns.

Michigan Fireworks Safety Act 256 of 2011, section 28.462 talks about Prohibited Conduct as it relates to fireworks. Sec. 12.(1), states, “A person shall not ignite, discharge, or use consumer fireworks on public property, school property, church property, or the property of another person without that organization’s or person’s express permission to use those fireworks on those premises. Except as otherwise provided in this section, a person that violates this subsection is responsible for a state civil infraction and may be ordered to pay a civil fine of not more than $500.00.” Sec. 12.(3) states, “An individual shall not discharge, ignite, or use consumer fireworks or low-impact fireworks while under the influence of alcoholic liquor, a controlled substance, or a combination of alcoholic liquor and a controlled substance.”

Please remember to be safe and responsible when using fireworks over the holiday weekend. Here is a list of a few safety tips to keep everyone safe when enjoying fireworks displays:

* read and always follow all safety instructions.

* never allow children to play with fireworks or sparklers unattended.

* only use fireworks outside.

* only light devices on smooth, flat surfaces away from residential areas, dry leaves and flammable material.

* always keep a hose or bucket of water nearby in case of malfunction.

* never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned.

Let’s all do our part to make this an enjoyable and safe holiday for all. The Michigan State Police wishes you a safe and happy Independence Day.

Ashley Simpson is a Community Service Trooper for the MSP Alpena Post. If you have a question for Trooper Simpson, you can email her at asktroopersimpson@gmail.com or mail them to Ask A Trooper, Michigan State Police Alpena Post, 3283 W. Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707.