Fires and complaints prompt officials to restrict fireworks
Several weeks after the Fourth of July, a grass fire on Holmes Road burned an acre of land and two sheds.
Also last month, at McKean and Textile Roads, another grass fire burned five to six acres of land.
Fireworks stacked at a tent on the corner of South Maple and West Stadium Boulevard before the Fourth of July this year. Bottle rockets, mortars and Roman candles are now legal in Michigan, but Ypsilanti Township has moved to restrict fireworks after fires and complaints.
Jeffrey Smith | AnnArbor.com
The State lifted a ban on large fireworks this year, and officials say that is causing problems for local firefighters and law enforcement.
But Ypsilanti Township has put in place a new ordinance designed to limit their use as much as possible.
The state law says the fireworks are legal and strips local governments of the ability to prohibit their use on a federal holiday or the days before and after.
But the law does grant municipalities the ability to restrict fireworks’ use on every other day of the year, and the new ordinance in Ypsilanti Township makes it a misdemeanor to ignite or discharge fireworks on all but the 10 federal holidays and the the days before and after each.
The Ypsilanti Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved the ordinance at its meeting Monday.
Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo said the fireworks have wreaked havoc on residents and public safety personnel.
“The ordinance is going to help to somewhat eliminate the calls and give some relief to residents in the community,” she said.
Stumbo said the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department has seen a spike in the number of noise complaints related to large fireworks during the summer. That ties up officers who could be doing other work, and it is especially difficult to find where the fireworks are being set off.
Copeland said the number of fires related to fireworks is “definitely up” over last year.
“Sooner or later someone is going to get injured and potentially killed —there’s just no oversight,” he said.
Copeland said the Lakeshore Apartments annual fireworks display was partly held because it gave people a chance to see large fireworks in a safe environment that was inspected by the fire department.
But the Lakeshore fireworks were canceled this year and residents were able to launch large fireworks on their own.
The state charges a fee of approximately $600 for people to become fireworks vendor, which provides it with needed revenue.
Local municipalities receive around 20 percent of those funds because they are charged with regulating the vendors.
But Copeland said that adds extra work to the township’s one fire inspector/marshal and there is little regulation.
”The relaxing of requirements makes it almost impossible for us to do enforcement,” Copeland said. “It’s impossible to go to scattered sites and do any enforcement. I would rather have kept the laws the old way.”
Tom Perkins is a freelance reporter for AnnArbor.com. Contact the news desk at news at AnnArbor.corm or 734-6232530.
Comments
harry
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
While I agree with most of what is coming out in lansing I dont ageee with this. I understand the republican point is people can you responsible for their own actions as we can see in the lifting of fire works and helmet law. In theory this is works but I would say at least half of all citizens are not that smart to take care of themselves. Why do we have medicare, medicade, social security, obama care ect.. its because people are can not plan for their futrue so the government need to step in. Same as with the helmet law. Not wearing a helmet is suicide. How do you risk your life betting that the car next to you is not going to hit you. Unbeleivable. We really need the helmet law back.
swcornell
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 5:03 a.m.
I'm also not a fan of government control, but someone needs to protect me from my neighbor shooting fireworks over my yard and house. I thought about getting my shotgun out and shooting back. But I figure that would be "more" illegal than what he was doing! So I guess I'm not allowed to protect myself and my property.
swcornell
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 5:07 a.m.
Why not treat them like you would any firearm. They cannot be discharged within 300 ft. of any building or structure.
Justavoice
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
While I applaud Ypsi township in tackling what is becoming a problem in dense neighborhoods, I just don't see how this is can truly be policed. If they send cops out to patrol neighborhoods looking for fireworks, they tie them up. If they rely on complaints, the officer has to go out there and witness the problem otherwise it's a warning, and it ties the officer up needlessly. It's just the same as a noise complaint. It can't easily be policed and will become another useless ordinance on the books that those who want to be idiots won't follow anyways. Too bad. This issue is just plain annoying. If you nearest neighbor is half a mile away then it makes sense, but not when you 15 feet unless you neighbors are agreeable folk.
harry
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 4:37 p.m.
It seemed to work before the law was lifted.
Robert Granville
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Oh my god.... stop criminalizing non-criminal behavior. This will solve nothing.
justcurious
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 8:58 p.m.
They should have left it the way it was. They are obnoxious, especially in the wrong hands.
aareader
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
It is sad our law makers did not do enough research on why there were fireworks limitation laws in the first place. Could the original intent of the law have been to address the fact many in the general public are ignorant in how to use fireworks. And it may resulted in many unneeded injuries to the users and spectators. And needless damage to property. It appears our lawmakers listened a pro fireworks group that touted how much tax revenue would come in and not potential negative costs to the public at large.
DennisP
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 5:19 p.m.
Here's a proposal. Instead of an outright ban, why not do the same thing as for permitted burning? Many of the more rural communities can open burn leaves and such but you need to apply for a permit from the fire department in advance to shoot off any boomers larger than what had been legal in the past or that fly off the ground, etc (like with the old rule). This can often be done by a phone call to an automated line leaving your name, phone and date of intended use--or even a website which prints out a permit. To make it economically practical, revelers could be asked to pay a $5 permit fee (V/MC/Discover accepted!). The permit will be good only for the hours of dusk until midnight for that date. Permitees can be given instruction on what is allowed and their potential for liability (just as with open burning). Anyone without a permit on the record can be fined big bucks for misuse of fireworks. If fire conditions are such that it becomes dangerous to light fireworks, the fire department can robocall all permittees, and advise of the cancellation or postponement of the permit due to dry conditions, etc. It doesn't have to be to local fire departments if that's too much a burden. The State can provide grants to each county sherriff's office or whatever to perform this function and supply the telerecording equipment or a website where this can be done. This gives neighbors some knowledge that the revelry has to stop by 12 am or call the cops! Anyone who blows off the permit is fair game for a fine.
Linda Peck
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 5:06 p.m.
Maybe I should move there? I am very unhappy about the way Ann Arbor west side was held hostage by weeks of nightly fireworks - the loud kind. Okay, all you fire bugs tell me to move, I hear you, too, but your tribe has some very rude members.
Tru2Blu76
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
""Sooner or later someone is going to get injured and potentially killed" --- bringing up the question of whether or not we're all potentially killed. We are - in the entire human history, there's no record of anyone living "back then" who is still living "now." Sooner or later: "later" could be a million years from now - and the probability of that is roughly equal to "sooner." Ypsi authorities are attempting to solve a small problem, which when analyzed turns out to be based mainly on their own viewpoints, prejudices and opinions. Nothing in the article is quantified or backed by substantiated facts. It's all too vague - and looks like a journalistic set-up to provoke "further discussion" which itself is ineffective in finding a solution to "the problem." The emphasis might be more positively slanted toward the responsible use of fireworks (aka, pyrotechnics). If we sweep away the nonsense of "personal freedom to do what we want" and lean more toward individual responsibility, we're more likely to "preserve our freedom." Any city facing irresponsible conduct can simply institute training for those involved - in this case it involves many. Start early (in K-12) and you'll have a more responsible population. Spending money on training and education is really investing in "an ounce of prevention" while avoiding the cost of a pound of "cure" - sending firefighters and police out to address incidents of irresponsible use.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 7:14 p.m.
Tru...I'm not sure if you are saying people haven't been killed or maimed by fireworks. I guarantee that they have. I even know of an incident that was fatal. This isn't a light issue. FIreworks can and do kill, blind, and maim people. I do like the idea of training people, but common sense is usually sufficient to the seven people who have any, and ther rest are probably untrainable in this area.
grye
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 3:44 p.m.
I'd like to complain about the number of automobile accidents ever since automobiles were allowed. Strongly suggest we control or eliminate them. Gee, just another case of "the man" trying to keep us down.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 7:10 p.m.
Isn't this a real stretch of reason? Are cars and trucks and buses necessary for our survival? I would say, Yes. Are fireworks necessary for our survival? I would say, No. Automobiles are a core technology in America. FIreworks, on the other hand, are an entertainment extra that we can live with and live without.
Dutch Thomas
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:52 p.m.
township ordinance officers are just petty tyrants and in order to justify their do nothing jobs they exaggerate A LOT about "problems". This state was the most restrictive now we are in line with the rest of the country. If these "ordinance" cops want to exercise their tyranny Go join a Homeowner's association where Property Rights and individual liberty is voluntarily surrendered.
Thoughtful
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
Not sure what the answer is, but common sense would go a long way. Our neighbor let his unsupervised tween shoot off bottle rockets in the middle of the drought that landed in my yard while I was mowing the lawn. I also have kids and animals. I figured it was legal, and I already know he's stupid, so I supervised my own yard with kids and animals inside and hose available until the show was over. Well after the 4th. Common sense and a little consideration from the neighbor would have been great. Do I need a law for that?
Peter Adamczyk
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Perhaps I'm miscalculating... but it sounds like there are 21 "allowed" days for each of 10 holidays. That seems to make 210 days of no ban, out of 365 total days. What is the point? Or did I misinterpret?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
I thought that it was the day of, the day before, and the day after each holiday. That would be 10 x 3 = 30 days. That is, unless I, too, misinterpreted.
lumberg48108
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
wasnt't this summer like one of the dryest on record? you think there is a connection with that? please take all things into consideration before reacting emotionally
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
PLease take all things into consideration before burying your head in the sand.
Tom Teague
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
In case you're wondering, the ten official Federal Holidays are New Year's Day, Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., Washington's Birthday (the official name for Presidents' Day), Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Founding Father John Adams wrote "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more." Adams was referring to the day that the Continental Congress approved the resolution for independence, not July 4, the date that the Declaration was approved. But, he had the right idea. Personally, I prefer ringing a bell to lighting fireworks, but that's just me.
harry
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
Ring a bell? That's just annoying. I would rather see them out law that.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:27 p.m.
Look, you want to blow your hands off and set fire to your own property? Then please buy your own five acres and go to town. Just don't call the FD or go to the emergency room, because I refuse to pay for your selfish stupidity.
BOBBY
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:19 p.m.
Fireworks have been banned in Michigan for quite some time. once everyone gets sick of them it will all calm down. every other state has gone through the same thing. we are just a little late at it.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Wed, Aug 29, 2012 : 7 p.m.
OT...You must be proud or your the-law-be-damned pals.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
And we had just as many injuries then as their is now. I haven't read about any seriouis injuries this year or I missed them if there were any.And the fires with this year being so dry the people who caused them are the ones to blame for their stupidity. A friend of mine has had their own fireworks displays for years and have never had any proplems. And yes they were big sky rockets they used.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
What you're saying is that the original law worked just fine. This stuff happened when the law was changed. Amen.
MRunner73
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
It takes only a few irresponsible folks to ruin things for the rest. I am not certain this news story explains that the cause of the grass fires were from the fireworks. It makes me want to say; the USA used to be free country. The restirctions keep piling up.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:29 p.m.
You're welcome to find another country with more "freedoms" anytime you want.
WalkingJoe
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
It must be just me because this whole new state law and it's impact seem a little overblown. Yes there seemed like more fireworks going off during non holiday times but the Fourth of July seemed about the same to me. People around this area got used to going to the Ohio/Michigan border to get fireworks and now they can save gas money to buy them locally. And as far as the grass fires I have to agree that had more to do with the extremely dry summer we had and not with the new state fireworks rules because you are going have irresponsible people setting them off no matter what.
WalkingJoe
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:34 p.m.
@mixmaster, I said this was my opinion not facts. And the last part of your comment is my point exactly. Furthermore why do you say I am selfish? I personally do not set off fireworks and was merely pointing out my observations.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Selfish and unproven by the facts. More fireworks resulted in more fires. Cause and effect. Ignore the facts if you want, but my rights begin where yours end. Fireworks don't know the difference. The user should.
antikvetch
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:44 p.m.
"Ypsilanti Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo said the fireworks have wreaked havoc on residents and public safety personnel. "The ordinance is going to help to somewhat eliminate the calls and give some relief to residents in the community," she said. " Havoc, indeed.
greg, too
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:45 p.m.
Wouldn't logic tell you that it will increase calls? People were firing them off when they were illegal year round, so why would they all of a sudden stop when they are legal on 3/4 of the year? And 10 holidays? Who fires off fireworks for MLK Day?
clownfish
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
I like how those that bandy the term "nanny state" want Other People to pay for the local municipalities increased costs associated with the new law!
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
This "war on fireworks" is a complete waste of time and money. Legalize and tax them I say!! All these problems would just go away then.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
And what difference would it make if it were my yard, yours or anyone else's? Are you saying that only those directly affected have the right to not like the less restrictive law? I thought so. You care more about your own rights than those of your neighbors.You got yours, so to heck with them. It's the American way.
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:44 p.m.
So then there weren't any fireworks that wound up in your yard. I didn't think so.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
If you haven't noticed, bottle rockets and the like do't fly in straight lines. And when the fuse gets short, you'll let than thing fly in any direction. Burn down your own house or yard, but please don't burn mine. Just more selfishness exhibited by commenters.
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Did you have a big problem with people tossing fireworks over your property line? I didn't think so. If you did you may need to ask why your neighbors dislike you so.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:22 p.m.
Shortsighted and selfish. Your rights end at my property line.
thinker
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
Ann Arbor needs limitations of fireworks to at least the week on either side of July 4. Our neighborhood has had large fireworks and smaller going off since May. Still going, when you least expect it. And very late at night. Ann Arbor City Council, this is one time I wish you would do something to limit the period during which fireworks could be used. Please!
thinker
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:16 p.m.
@Mike-y It is very hard to turn in someone if you cannot tell who it is. At 2am, even cruising the neighborhood would be unproductive.
Mike
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:46 p.m.
There are already laws for disturbing the peace, pick up the phone and turn your neighbor in. Use one of the exisitng laws instead of wasting time and making life even more complicated than it is. Control, control, and more control.................
Billy
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
""The ordinance is going to help to somewhat eliminate the calls and give some relief to residents in the community," she said." And HOW is that going to be accomplished exactly? Making the setting of fireworks off illegal, (they already are the rest of the year as stated in this article) won't stop people from setting the fireworks off....SINCE IT'S ALREADY ILLEGAL TO DO SO OUTSIDE THE 10 FEDERAL HOLIDAYS. The ONLY thing this ordinance will do is generate revenue....there is no possible way it will reduce the number of noise complaints.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:05 p.m.
I'm no fan of fireworks, I don't buy them. I also have two little dogs who are terrified of them. But I'm less a fan of Government over controlling things. If we had the most liberal fireworks laws in the country I might say lets tighten them up. But we don't. Indeed the old law was among the most restrictive. To make an analogy the old law was like a 45MPH speed limit on the freeway. We just pushed our fireworks speed limit to 70MPH.
djacks24
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
Nanny state, here we come!
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:20 p.m.
that Government should legislate against stupidity? If thats your claim that the bigger Government is the better then we disagree. In the interest of protecting ourselves from ourselves how slow would you put the speed limits? Because if we lowered all speed limits to say, 6 MPH and we all drove bumper cars we could slash highway deaths to near zero, car insurance would be couch change Besides alcohol, tobacco, fire arms and fast food what else would you like to ban to protect us?
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
You did a fine job of backing up my claim. Thanks.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:21 p.m.
mixmaster @ "And restrictive, how?" Your asking how the old law was restrictive? I'm sure you know how the old law was "restrictive" Let's see, speed limit laws changed, more highway deaths and injuries. Most cost to taxpayers. Cause and effect. Facts vs personal opinion. A civilized society vs a lawless one. But hey! I can get from point a to point b faster? Time is money dead people are collateral damage! Selfish and childish lets reduce the speed limit to 45 MPH on our freeways. Lets "lead the way" as a state.
sellers
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
Stupid people will always be stupid and it's a cat and mouse game.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:33 p.m.
And restrictive, how? Nobody seems to take into account that more than a few people are stupid, irresponsible and untrustworthy to comply with even the least restrictive laws. Yet we can't pass laws banning stupidity, so we try to limit their damage to society in other ways. Let's see, fireworks laws changed, more fires and injuries. Most cost to taxpayers. Cause and effect. Facts vs personal opinion. A civilized society vs a lawless one. But hey! wasn't that a good un? Big Boom and lots of sparkles! Selfish and childish.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:01 p.m.
We don't need any more laws like this. We should let the law of the jungle prevail. Those with the biggest fireworks rule. The those with four fingers and burned retinas will be able to freely harass their neighbors. Fireworks are not specifically prohibited in the Constitution, therefore any and all fireworks are legal. What next?
Mike
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:43 p.m.
They are prohibited if the progressives want them to be and can weasel a way to change the laws.................
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:45 a.m.
Won't someone please think of the children
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:41 p.m.
Think of the children? You do realize that children generally *love* fireworks, right?
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
We are. You're here where it's relatively safe.
Barb's Mom
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:42 p.m.
Where are their parents?
N. Todd
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
It seems that either Mr. Copeland is spreading a little misinformation or annarbor.com had it wrong when they printed this article in May: http://www.annarbor.com/news/ypsilanti/grass-fire-that-burned-eight-acres-near-ford-rawsonville-plant-started-by-broken-glass/#.UDyuF8FlQqk
MJSteklac
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:17 p.m.
Chief Copeland indicated that the grass fires were several weeks after the 4th of July and last month. Both of these fires would have been later than the fire referenced in the article.
N. Todd
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:44 a.m.
Or did more than one grass fire occur at that location?
walker101
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:23 a.m.
When you play with fire, something or someone will burn. Only someone ( government) lacking common sense would allow the general public to play with, sell or be exposed to such a hazard, why would we expect any different outcome, individuals getting injured or being killed, property damages and yes even grass fires. It's all for the love of money.
Belgium
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 4:43 p.m.
Then shouldn't we ban cigarettes?
DennisP
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
I think the blame should be leveled at Prometheus. If he listened to Zeus, we would never have had this meddlesome thing called fire and would have remained happy cavorting in the trees. I long for the good old days... :)
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:05 p.m.
Oh the humanity!
DennisP
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
So we have now a prohibition on the lighting of any fireworks except on certain days? Even small poppers and fountains? The kinds of things that were allowed before the law change? I don't know the circumstances of the fires but some here claim at least one of the fires was not related to fireworks. This was an extremely dry year as well. So, it seems we now have less privileges than before the new law at least in Ypsi. Too bad. We should just revoke that old law and let everyone go back to Indiana to get the same fireworks they were exploding this past July. I guess my question is how do they handle this in Indiana or other states which never were quite as restrictive?
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:28 a.m.
"We should just revoke that old law and let everyone go back to Indiana...." "Indiana wants me Lord I can't go back there.".... I sure hope that song isn't stuck in my head all day. Thanks for nothing Dennis ..... ;)
rs
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:14 a.m.
Maybe the grass fires are up this summer because we had the worst drought in a 100 years.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
You'll need that tin foil hat when the government issues them as a solution to climate change.
djacks24
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:28 p.m.
Sure, it's mostly drought and it just so happens the ban was lifted at the same time. So, it's very convenient to blame it on the fireworks. I really could care less about the fireworks, but it's disgusting to just single out the legislature in favor of lifting the fireworks ban as the sole cause of all these fires.
Mike
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:41 p.m.
It's definitely climate change. Get your aluminum foil hats on and save yourselves.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:36 p.m.
That would imply climate change and that's a no no among most commenters here. So forget about that.
Craig Lounsbury
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:24 a.m.
naw i don't see a connection, because if we go down that road politicians can't pass laws against Mother Nature.
EyeHeartA2
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.
So, is this up or down over other years? ...........or did we just find a convenient scapegoat?
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
I know I sure heard a heck of a lot more blathering about upcoming exploded eyeballs, detached limbs and general conflagrations before the 4th than I heard reports of same after the 4th. But that isn't much of a story, is it?
HB11
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 10:58 a.m.
Were those grass fires directly attributed to fireworks? I'm not doubting it, but I just don't remember reading that when the fires were first reported.
OLDTIMER3
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:25 p.m.
Several were started by discarded cigarettes. When it is as dry as this summer has beenyou would think people would use some common sense when thinking about setteing off fireworks or tossing their smokes out the window.I've seen people burning rubbish piles while the ban was on and getting away with it.
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:02 p.m.
They were "linked", whatever that's supposed to mean. I think it means that they occurred during a time when someone, somewhere was discharging fireworks. Like how eating ice cream is "linked" with summer. As in everything else, correlation isn't causation.
Robo
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:07 a.m.
A neighbor told me the Holmes road fire was a grill that dropped a coal.
Silly Sally
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 10:53 a.m.
While I think that it is good that the state has lifted its restriction on fireworks, it is also good that local cities and townships can have their won tailored rules. But no silly laws similar to Ann Arbor crosswalk laws, thank-you. What would make sense is for laws banning them after 9 or 10 PM, except around July 4th, and then after 11PM. Rules for minors under 14 or so also make sense, unless an adult is supervising them. I saw children under 12 with rockets that went over 40 feet high with no adults around. Firing them from their hands. Remember, these are all made in China, with Chinese quality control! I would not want to risk my hearing, eyesight, or limbs with that in mind.
RuralMom
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 2:12 p.m.
Sally, you have no clue and your comment "Chinese" Quality control is RACIST. I work for American-Chinese Company, its not about Chinese Quality control, its about American Manufacturer's setting specifications and utilizing Quality Manufacturer's where ever they may be! Don't forget they have to be INSPECTED by customs before they even ENTER the country! Again someone who has no clue, arm chair quarter backing something they don't even have knowledge of! For the record our Colorants, used in children'ts paints, plastics, household paints & inks, are all verified by Duke University at less that $1000 each. So lazy American Corporations, are cutting corners and putting the blame elsewhere, you happen to be someone who falls for that crap! I know you must be simply astounded that an American- Chinese company has a HQ & Manufacturing sites here in Michigan, Warehouses in the Chicago area, and distributors nationwide, all employing Americans. Don't believe the hype and then educate yourself before you speak such nonsense!
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
Hypocrisy, that's what.
Brad
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 1:13 p.m.
"But heaven forbid making any law and enforcement that prevents cars from mowing down pedestrians." We haven't managed that yet, but we have a pretty good example of one that seems to encourage that by telling pedestrians that it is OK to walk in front of moving cars. And that has exactly what to do with fireworks?
Mike
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 12:27 p.m.
Good idea Sally. Make it complicated enough so it can be turned into a fund raiser for local government. Either ban them or trust that people will supervise the use of them. We live in a nanny state so I think they should be banned. There will be no difference in allowing them with restrictions except that people will have to be dragged into court and pay money. It's kind of like making laws against speeding; people will still speed.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:54 a.m.
So let's make the law more complex with times, ages and require supervisions. YEah, the authorities would love that. Maybe the fireworks users could just call in and tell the cops safety services that they were lighting up. That'd work. Then there would only be fires and injuries from fireworks happening during those times. The emergency rooms and FD's could be on high alert. Perfect solution and extremely silly. But heaven forbid making any law and enforcement that prevents cars from mowing down pedestrians.
GoNavy
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 10:48 a.m.
The answer is obviously to outlaw fire. Matchbooks, lighters, etc. must go now.
mixmaster
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:56 a.m.
and Tunder. You people are a piece of work.
Homeland Conspiracy
Tue, Aug 28, 2012 : 11:41 a.m.
You left out Lightening