Battle Creek Issues Fireworks Reminder

City officials in Battle Creek are reminding citizens about the changes in fireworks ordinances.  Here is the info from a city press release:

City gives fireworks reminder ahead of July 4 holiday

As residents prepare to enjoy their own fireworks displays in celebration of the July fourth holiday, city officials want to remind everyone of the local ordinance requirements for doing so.

In June the City Commission approved changes to the city’s fireworks ordinance, which clarify that police may enforce the prohibited use of fireworks during sleep-time hours (midnight and 7 a.m.) on the days residents may use fireworks, and that fireworks use is allowed on New Year’s Day, except between 1 and 7 a.m.

Currently, consumer fireworks use by the general public is allowed only on the day before, day of and day after a national holiday. In this case, that would be July 3, 4 and 5.

Other restrictions are:

·         Fireworks may not be used between midnight and 7 a.m., even on the days when they are permitted.

·         Fireworks may not be used on public property, school property, church property, or that of another person without permission — maximum $500 fine.

·         Fireworks may not be used in any park or playground in the city — maximum $500 fine.

·         Fireworks may not be used by an individual who is under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance — misdemeanor offense; maximum $1,000 fine, 30 days in jail.
Other penalties include fireworks use causing property damage — misdemeanor; maximum $5,000 fine, 90 days in jail; fireworks use causing serious injury — felony; maximum $5,000 fine, five years in prison; and fireworks use causing death — felony; maximum $15,000 fine, 15 years in prison.