New State Fire Marshal: Be Safe With Fireworks

Appointed by the governor about ten weeks ago, State of Michigan Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer tells 95.3 WBCK there will be new and more visible initiatives toward fire safety in the state.

Sehlmeyer said Michigan averages about 8 residential fire deaths per month. Nationally, he said, that ranks in the top three.

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He credits those statistics with a decreasing amount of time residents have to escape a burning building, thanks to furniture and other home furnishings made with plastic - which burns faster. As well, he said, there still are not enough working smoke detectors in Michigan homes - or families who have practiced how to get out of their home if it were burning.

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State Fire Marshal's Reminders About Fireworks Safety:

Only adults should ignite fireworks
Fireworks should be enjoyed 25 feet away from any tree, building, person or other item which could catch fire
It is illegal to ignite fireworks in a roadway in Michigan
It is illegal to ignite fireworks on public property in Michigan
Many municipalities in Michigan permit fireworks only within certain days at or around a holiday.
Click here for more information about fireworks and fireworks safety