Press Releases

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, Dearborn residents and businesses should be aware that the Police Department will be continuing its “zero tolerance” policy regarding the illegal and unsafe sale and use of fireworks.

Dearborn residents can report fireworks in their neighborhoods by calling the Police Department at 313.943.2201.

“Each year, we see cases of personal injury and damage to property when people use illegal fireworks,” said Police Chief Ron Haddad.

“City ordinances prohibit the sale and use of illegal fireworks, or the unsafe use of legal fireworks,” said Haddad.

“We strongly recommend that the public avoid personal fireworks and instead attend a professionally-produced fireworks display, like the Beach Bash at Camp Dearborn on July 3,” Haddad said.

Police officers will respond to fireworks complaints. Adults found to be violating the city’s fireworks ordinances will be ticketed.

Officers will not issue warnings for fireworks use.

“Illegal fireworks are a nuisance in our neighborhoods, and represent a safety hazard in terms of fires and personal injuries,” said Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr.

Parents whose children are found to be violating fireworks ordinance may also be ticketed under the city’s parental responsibility ordinance.

Both cases are misdemeanor offenses, carrying a maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and/or a $500 fine.

In all cases, illegal fireworks will be confiscated.

Dearborn’s Fire Marshal Jeff Oldenburg urges parents to offer children safe alternatives, such as squirt guns or flashlights.

Consistent with the zero tolerance policy, citations will be issued to vendors who are selling illegal fireworks.

Only certain types of fireworks – sparklers, toy snakes, smoke bombs, fountains, flitter sparkers and flat paper caps – can be sold in Dearborn.

To report illegal fireworks sales in Dearborn, call 313.943.2838.

Many common fireworks are illegal in the state of Michigan and Dearborn. If a novelty device makes a loud bang, leaves the ground or spins or twirls, it is illegal.

Examples of illegal fireworks are firecrackers, cherry bombs, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, bottle rockets, whistling chasers, rockets on sticks,  M-80s, Silver Salutes (M-100s), M-250s, and torches.

For more information about fireworks, call the Dearborn Fire Department at 313.943.4147.