Ann Arbor fire chief details local fireworks rules and safety steps ahead of July 4

Mike Kennedy, fire chief for the city of Ann Arbor, urged residents to favor professional fireworks displays and outlined local rules and safety steps for the July 4 holiday weekend.

"Fireworks can only be set off in the city of Ann Arbor between June 29th and July 4th between the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.," Kennedy said. He added that fireworks are not allowed in city parks, rights‑of‑way or streets, and that property owners must grant permission to set off fireworks on private property.

Kennedy warned that July 4 is the leading holiday for emergency room visits for burns and urged residents to keep a water source nearby, never relight failed fireworks, and soak spent fireworks in water for several hours before disposal. "If a firework fails to go off, never look at it, never try to relight it. Please just throw it in a bucket of water, let it soak for a couple hours, and then throw it away," he said.

He also noted that the holiday sees an increase in lost pets and recommended keeping animals on a leash or indoors during fireworks activity. The chief stressed that residents are legally responsible for any fires or damage caused by fireworks.

Kennedy closed by recommending professional displays as the safest option and by urging caution to keep people and property safe over the holiday weekend.