The City of Grand Rapids has revised its City’s fireworks ordinance. The action allows residents and visitors to discharge consumer grade fireworks in Grand Rapids annually on June 19 in observance of Juneteenth.
Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Jubilee Day, is an American holiday memorializing June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger read orders in Galveston, Texas that all previously enslaved people in Texas were free. Although the Emancipation Proclamation had formally freed most slaves almost two and a half years earlier, and the American Civil War had ended with the defeat of the Confederate States, Texas was the most "remote" of the slave states, with a low presence of Union troops, so enforcement of the proclamation had been slow and inconsistent.
In 2020, Mayor Rosalyn Bliss acknowledged the historical and current importance of Juneteenth in the emancipation and liberation movement. The West Michigan National Forum of Black Public Administration affirmed the local chapter’s support and acknowledgement of the various commemorative and celebratory events throughout Grand Rapids.
The City’s fireworks ordinance, limiting the use of them within Grand Rapids, reflects state law governing the use of consumer-grade fireworks. It sets a civil fine of $1,000 for EACH violation of the fireworks ordinance. The ordinance, which now includes Juneteenth, also sets the times and dates when fireworks may be set off throughout the year, including the upcoming Memorial Day and July 4 holidays.
- 11 a.m. December 31 to 1 a.m. January 1
- 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day
- 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 19
- 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. June 29 to July 4
- 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Labor Day
The GRPD encourages residents to report illegal use of fireworks – if they are being done outside the allowed times – by calling 456-3400. If there is IMMINENT DANGER and one does not feel safe in their neighborhood, they can call 911 to report any violations.
To reduce fireworks accidents, the Grand Rapids Fire Department offers these important fireworks safety tips:
- Read and follow all warnings and instructions contained on the package.
- Never allow children to play with or ignite any fireworks. Sparklers, although considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at extremely high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Many children do not understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency.
- Keep a bucket of water, or garden hose handy in case of a malfunction or fire.
- Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks. Never shoot a firework at or near another person.
- Only light fireworks on a smooth, flat surface away from the house, dry leaves, and flammable materials. Never light a firework while holding it in your hand!
- Never try to relight fireworks that have not fully functioned. “DUDS” can re-ignite and injure you. If you must move them, consider scooping them up with a shovel, and dropping them into a bucket of water to extinguish. Throw them away after they are extinguished.
- Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
- Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
- Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
- Don't experiment with homemade fireworks.
- Never mix fireworks and alcohol!
- Observe local laws.
- State law prohibits igniting fireworks on a public street, public sidewalk, park, church, school, or public rights of way.
- Before retiring for the evening, make sure that your yard, shrubbery, trees, and your home are free of any unwanted burning. Make sure you have working smoke alarms in your home.
Original source can be found here.
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