Ann Arbor fire chief lays out rules, safety tips for fireworks ahead of July 4

Fire Chief Mike Kennedy urged caution ahead of the July 4 holiday, spelling out local rules and safety steps for residents who plan to use consumer fireworks.

Kennedy, speaking on FYI, said, "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." He warned that fireworks are not allowed in city parks, on city right-of-way or in streets, and that permission is required to discharge fireworks on someone else’s private property.

The chief emphasized the most common hazards: "July 4th is the number one holiday for emergency room visits for burns," he said, and urged residents to treat fireworks carefully. He recommended keeping a water source close by — a bucket of water or a garden hose — and soaking spent fireworks "in a bucket of water for several hours before you throw them in the trash can." Kennedy recounted local incidents in which people put used fireworks in a trash can that later ignited and spread to a structure.

Kennedy also warned about pets, saying the holiday is "the number one holiday for lost pets" and advising that animals be kept on a leash or indoors. He reiterated the city's liability rule: residents are responsible for any fire or damage caused by fireworks they set off, and if a firework fails to ignite they should not look at or attempt to relight it; instead, place it in a bucket of water and let it soak for several hours.

The fire chief recommended attending professional fireworks displays as the safest option. For additional local guidance and details on laws, the program directed viewers to the City Roundup segment and city resources.