Community Corner
How's That New Fireworks Ordinance Going in Wyandotte?
Violating the new ordinance can be punishable by a $500-fine or up to 30 days in jail--and yet people continue to use consumer fireworks, according to many Wyandotte Patch readers.
It's been one week since Wyandotte City Council members passed a new ordinance restricting the use of consumer fireworks.
The new ordinance states the use of consumer fireworks in Wyandotte is now only allowed on the day of, the day before and the day after a national holiday.
Fireworks cannot be used from midnight to 8 a.m. on the above mentioned days except New Year's Day. Fireworks are prohibited from 1 a.m. to 8 a.m. on New Year's Day.
Despite the new ordinance, Patch readers remain concerned about the continued use of consumer fireworks outside the allowed days and times.
Several Wyandotte Patch users commented on recent articles detailing the new ordinance. Some users complained about being woken up in the night from loud bangs, while others expressed concern for their animals that may become frightened by the same loud bangs.
Here's what some Wyandotte Patch readers said about the use of consumer fireworks during restricted days and times after the ordinance passed unanimously.
- Renee Gwardinski said, "wish they would come to my neighborhood, it starts in may and goes on for months-every night. it gets old. these laws get passed,but you wouldn't know it.maybe they need to send out a letter to the residents with the electric and water bills explaining the restrictions so all wyandotte residents know."
- Sue Thorn said, "They were going off in my neighborhood last night."
"Can anyone explain to me the reasoning behind letting off fireworks? I might be able to understand the 4th of July as it might be a reminder of "the bombs bursting in air", but what's all the noise about, especially on the other days? I don't get why people get such a big bang out of a lot of noise. Oh, and the blowing off of your fingers....what's that all about?"
Fire Marshal Michael R. Bernardin of the Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority posted a blog to Patch explaining the ins and outs of the legalities pertaining to consumer fireworks in Michigan.
Bernardin lists two civil infractions consumer fireworks users risk violating when looking for a big bang. He cites Sgt. Thompson of the Brighton Michigan State Police Post for providing the information.
- MCL 28.462(3) explains what happens to a person who uses fireworks while under the influence of alcohol which includes penalties from a 30 day misdemeanor to a 15 year felony.
- MCL 28.462(1) explains it is a civil infraction when a person uses fireworks on someone else’s property, without the owner’s permission. (THIS INCLUDES YOUR FIRWORKS LANDING ON SOMEONE ELSES PROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION!)
So, Patch wants to know, what do you think about Wyandotte's new consumer fireworks ordinance? Tell us in the comment section.
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