On Thursday, the city began allowing the use of consumer fireworks within the city limits.

Fireworks are allowed through Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. each day.

We join the city’s police and firefighters in encouraging you to use fireworks safely.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 10,200 people were treated in emergency rooms last year for fireworks-related injuries, and 11 people died. The commission says 73% of those injuries happened around Independence Day.

Thankfully, the commission also offers several tips for staying safe over the Fourth of July holiday:

* Never allow children to play with fireworks, including sparklers, which were responsible for 600 injuries in 2022.

* Keep a bucket of water or a hose handy in case of a mishap.

* Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.

* Never try to relight or pick up fireworks that have not fully ignited.

* Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Independence Day is a fantastic holiday, and everyone should enjoy celebrating the birth of our nation.

But we have to do so responsibly and safely.

Stay safe out there, Northeast Michigan.