Five Things Battle Creek Wants You To Know Before Using Fireworks

As the 4th of July holiday approaches, the city of Battle Creek is reminding residents about changes to the fireworks ordinance.

The new rules are based on the 2018 changes to state law.

Here's what you need to know:

1. People may use consumer fireworks in the city from Saturday, June 29 to Thursday, July 4, from 11:00 am to 11:45 pm on each of those days. Because July 5 is a Friday, fireworks also may be used that day, from 11:00 am to 11:45 pm.
2. Fireworks may not be used in public places, including parks and schools, except pursuant to an approved Special Event Permit.
3. The fine for violating the fireworks ordinance now carries a $1,000 fine per violation. Fire and police officers enforce the city’s fireworks ordinance, and may confiscate and/or destroy fireworks used to commit violations of the ordinance.
4. If you have a fireworks complaint, please call 9-1-1 to report it. Please keep in mind that, to enforce the fireworks ordinance requires a witness, proof of the fireworks and, if outside the allowed times, a homeowner. While fireworks complaints are as important as any other, community conditions at the time of a complaint can affect the Police Department’s ability to respond.
5. To enforce the city’s noise control ordinance as it relates to fireworks, an officer must see someone lighting the fireworks, or must have a complainant who is willing to identify the violator and testify in court.

Keep in mind, the Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival is coming up July 3 to 7 and also will include its annual fireworks celebration.

The city of Battle Creek also reminds citizens that offices are closed on Thursday, July 4. Transit bus and van services will not run, with regular weekday schedules resuming on Friday. Waste Management, the city’s trash and recycling hauler, is closed on July 4. Residential pickup is delayed one day the rest of next week.