Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud (at podium) speaks June 26 about the need for holiday fireworks safety as Fire Chief Joseph Murray (left) and Police Chief Issa Shahin listen.
By SUE SUCHYTA
Times-Herald Newspapers
DEARBORN – City officials promised June 26 to expand enforcement and implement a zero-tolerance policy against illegal fireworks use during the week surrounding the July 4 holiday celebration.
Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud was joined by Police Chief Issa Shahin and Fire Chief Joseph Murray at the City Administrative Center to focus on firework safety, as well as the rules and regulations that will be heavily enforced in public areas, neighborhoods and on school properties.
Michigan state law permits the discharge of fireworks from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. from June 29 to July 5 on a person’s own private property. Debris may not land on someone else’s home or in their yard, and fireworks cannot be discharged on public property.
This year, police officers will strictly enforce nuisance violations, loitering laws and will prohibit the illegal use of fireworks.
Juveniles who are found in violation of the law will be taken to the police station, and their parents might also be ticketed.
Hammoud said that the health and safety of all residents is paramount.
“Over the last few years, we’ve had rising concerns as it pertains to our July 4 celebrations here in the city of Dearborn,” he said. “No one loves watching fireworks as much as I do, but we want to ensure that they are done in a safe manner.”
Hammoud said ensuring the safety of young people is a top priority.
“We really need the support of the community, of the families and of the parents to ensure that our young people are acting appropriately and in the safest manner, to ensure that nobody is hurt,” he said.
Shahin said it is important to celebrate the country’s independence safely.
He said in the past two years the behavior and conduct that police officers have seen on the streets has been “entirely unacceptable.”
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin (at podium) speaks June 26 about increased enforcement and zero tolerance against illegal fireworks use during the upcoming holiday as Fire Chief Joseph Murray (left) and Mayor Abdullah Hammoud listen.
Shahin said commercial grade fireworks can now end up in the hands of just about anybody.
“You cannot legally use fireworks on public property, in streets, at churches, at mosque parking lots, at parks,” he said. “The reality is the use of fireworks legally has to be on your own property.”
Shahin said the Fordson High School parking lot has become a meeting place for young adults who throw fireworks at other people and at police officers.
“People have gotten hurt,” he said. “It’s just entirely unacceptable.”
Shahin said gathering like these put a huge strain on police department resources.
He said two police officers suffered concussive injuries when fireworks were thrown at their police car, and showed video footage of the incident occurring.
Shahin also showed video footage of people throwing high grade fireworks at each other in a street, which resulted in eardrum injuries to two young girls who were standing outside their home last year.
He said they have done a lot of community outreach this year through non-profit organizations and houses of worship to let the community know about the posture of the Police Department this year.
“We are going to have a significantly increased presence of police officers, reserve officers and Community Emergency Response Teams out there to be the eyes and ears to notify us when there is illegal conduct,” Shahin said. “If you are out there and you are using fireworks illegally, there is a very good chance that you are going to be cited this year.”
He said those caught using fireworks illegally will face fines, court appearances and even possibly jail time.
Shahin urged parents to step up and take responsibility for their children’s behavior.
“If your kids are out there, unsupervised, and causing mayhem or loitering, they will end up at our police station,” he said. “They will be given a citation.”
Shahin said parents will also be cited if they fail to fulfill their parental responsibilities.
“I have teenagers at home, and I can promise you I am going to know where they are at over the Fourth of July, and you need to do the same,” he said. “I want this to be a safe time for everyone, and I want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July, and so I need our community to step up and do a better job.”
Murray said the Fire Department urges residents to watch fireworks at public displays conducted by professionals and not to use them at home.
“They may be legal, but they are not the safest,” he said.
Murray said there are on average 19,500 fires annually across the country caused by fireworks, and about 2,000 injuries from fireworks that send people to an emergency room annually.
He said people don’t realize that even sparklers are dangerous, and children should be supervised when using them.
Dearborn Fire Chief Joseph Murray (right) speaks June 26 about safe fireworks use during the upcoming holiday as Police Chief Issa Shahin listens.
Murray said firecrackers are responsible for about 800 injuries a year.
He said to never light fireworks indoors, or near dry grass or brush, and never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Murray said fireworks should only be used away from people, houses and flammable materials.
He said fireworks should not be ignited in devices or containers, and lit fireworks should never be held in one’s hand.
“We’ve had a number of runs over the years where people have had significant injuries to their hands and fingers,” Murray said.
He said to have a bucket of water, a hose and a fire extinguisher nearby in case a fire ignites.
“One of the most important things: Supervise children closely, never allow young children to use fireworks and older children should be supervised directly by the parent,” Murray said.
He said people should never try to re-light duds.
“If a firework doesn’t go off, don’t re-light it,” he said. “Wait 20 minutes, leave it alone, then soak it in water for a few hours before discarding it.”
Murray said fireworks should be lit one at a time, people should wear eye protection, and they should dispose of fireworks properly.
He said fireworks should be soaked in water for a few hours before being placed in a garbage container.
Murray said every year they respond to a number of dumpster fires that are a result of people discarding fireworks before they are actually extinguished.
He also warned people to stay away from illegal fireworks.
Hammoud warned young people to not throw Roman candles at each other, as it can seriously injure people.
He reminded people to avoid setting off dynamite as well.
Hammoud reminded people that Camp Dearborn, 1700 General Motors Road in Milford, will offer a professional fireworks show at 10 p.m. July 5.
The mayor said they want everyone to enjoy the holiday.
“It means being respectful to your neighbors and to all those around you, making sure that what you are doing you’re doing appropriately and safely.”
Hammoud urged parents to know where their children are, and to make sure they are not buying illegal fireworks.
He said no vendors in Dearborn were issued permits to sell fireworks.
Hammoud said he hopes the Michigan Legislature changes the fireworks law, and said ever since the law was changed, it has resulted in bad behavior across the state, and with many people ending up in emergency rooms.