Kalamazoo Fireworks Rules and Safety

It could cost you $500 if you break the law.

Celebrate America...safely and responsibly. That is the message from Kalamazoo Public Safety. Here are the City of Kalamazoo ordinances pertaining to fireworks:

1. Discharge of fireworks is only permitted for 3 days during a national holiday; the day of the holiday and one day preceding and following.
2. Use of fireworks is prohibited after midnight and before 8:00 a.m.
3. Fireworks may not be ignited on public or private land without the owner's consent.

Violation of these rules or Kalamazoo's noise ordinance is a civil infraction and may carry a fine of up to $500.

Kalamazoo Public Safety also offers the following fireworks safety steps for celebrating the 4th.

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.

• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging; often, this can be a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and could pose a danger to consumers.

• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.

• Move away to a safe distance immediately after lighting.

• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not gone off or fully functioned.

• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.

• Light one item at a time, then move away quickly.

• After fireworks have gone off and fully functioned, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding, to prevent a trash fire.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.

Further information can be obtained at: www.fireworksafety.com and http://www.nfpa.org/safety-information/for-consumers/holidays/fireworks