Michigan’s Big Bang Theory & How It Affects You

On December 13th, 2011 Gov. Snyder signed House Bill 4293.  I know you are probably thinking, “No big deal, bills are passed all the time.” 

Well, it is a big deal. 

It is a big deal for the State of Michigan, as well as the states of Ohio and Indiana.  HB 4293 was written and passed with the intent of stopping the flow of Michigan residents into Ohio and Indiana from purchasing fireworks, by making larger and more spectacular pyrotechnics legal for sale here in the State of Michigan, in hopes of creating a “Bigger Boom” to the state coffers. (Bad joke, but couldn’t help it.)

Let’s face it, everybody “Knows a Friend” that used to drive to one of the Border States to the south, purchase some firecrackers, bottle rockets, and a few mortars to celebrate our nation’s birthday every year.  Well, Michigan law makers decided that enough was enough.  Since so many people were spending money out of state, why not capitalize on the opportunity and keep those tax dollars for programs that are in dire need of funding right here in Michigan?

The concept sounded great to the Senate and House; hence the 2012 Michigan Fireworks Law was born.  The Governor signed the bill on Dec. 13th, and the law became into effect on January 1st 2012!!!  This forced the Bureau of Fire Safety (BFS) and the State Fire Marshal to come up with rules and regulations in two and a half weeks with Christmas and New Years in the mix.  Eventually, the BFS had to enact EMERGENCY RULES in March of 2012, to ensure the state wouldn’t turn into the “Wild West” in terms of fireworks sales.  So, the rules are vague to some, and confusing to others, so I am going to put them in layman’s terms so you can keep your family safe from accidents, arrests, and liability this year.  After reading this, you have questions; please write them in the comment section below.  I will answer them to the best of my knowledge and resources at hand.

 Ensure you purchase from a State of Michigan Licensed vendor!

By Michigan law, every retailer that sells fireworks from 2012 and forward shall have a license signed by the state that is visible and posted.  It doesn’t matter if it is a store, tent, or warehouse….The license must be visible.  If you don’t see it, don’t purchase from them.

 As of the date this article was written, there is only one State inspected and authorized retailer in Hartland Township.  Eagle Express, located across the street from the Old Hartland High School.  If you notice a stand or tent pop up during a weekend, that was not there during the week…Chances are, it is not state licensed or approved vendor.  Even better chances that they are selling you illegal or unsafe merchandise that could harm you or your family.

What is LEGAL?

• Cylindrical Fountain’s
• Sparklers                       
• Toy Smoke Devices
• Bottle Rockets*                     
• Missile Rockets*                    
• Aerial Spinners*
• Roman Candles*          
• Fire Crackers                
• Aerial Shell Kits

A “*” indicates that the device cannot contain more than 20g of chemical composition.

Mine & Shell Devices

These are NOW LEGAL!  These are heavy cardboard or paper tube usually attached to a wooden or plastic base and contain not more than 60g (Grams) of total chemical composition (lift charge, burst charge, and visible/audible effect composition.)  Upon ignition stars, components producing reports containing up to 130mg (Milligrams) of explosive composition per report, or other devices are propelled into the air.  The term “mine” refers to a device with no internal components containing a bursting charge, and the term shell refers to a device that propels a component that subsequently bursts open in the air.  A mine or shell device may contain more than one (1) tube, provided the tubes fire in sequence upon ignition of one external fuse.  The term cake refers to a dense-packed collection of mine/shell tubes.  Total chemical composition including lift charges of any multiple tube devices may not exceed 200g.  The maximum quantity of lift charge in any one tube of a mine or shell device shall not exceed 20g and the maximum quantity of break or bursting charge in any component shall not exceed 25% of the total weight of chemical composition in the component.  

Aerial Shell Kit, & Reloadable Tubes

 These are NOW LEGAL!  They are a package (kit) containing a cardboard, high-density polyethylene or equivalent launching tube and not more than twelve (12) small aerial shells.  Each aerial shell is limited to a maximum of 60g of total chemical composition (lift charge, burst charge, and visible/audible effect composition,) and the maximum diameter of each shell shall not exceed 1.75 inches (1 3/4”).  In addition the maximum quantity of lift charge in any shell shall not exceed 20g, and the maximum quantity of break or bursting charge in any shell shall not exceed 25% of the total weight of chemical composition in the shell.  The total chemical composition of all the shells in a kit, including lift charge, shall not exceed 400g for approval under the provisions of the law.

The user lowers a shell in to the launching tube, at the time of firing, with the fuse extending out of the top of the tube.  After firing, the tube is then reloaded with another shell for the next firing.  All launching tubes must be capable of firing twice the number of shells in the kit without failure of the tube.  Each package of 12 shells must comply with all warning label requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

 What does all of that mean????

 Those listed above in those parameters are classified as “Consumer Fireworks” or 1.4G.  If you see anything listed as 1.3G, 1.2G or 1.1G DON’T BUY THEM!  That designation means that they are “Display Fireworks” and they need to be transported and fired from a licensed and trained professional.  Those are the tubes that are 2” in diameter or greater.  You could find yourself in a heap of trouble with not only the state, but FEDERAL level!  Those are NOT TOYS!

In closing, I hope that you have found this information useful, and informative.  Please don’t let children (minors) operate fireworks.  I will follow up with another article answering questions that are left in the comment section below.

Yours In Fire Safety,

Michael R. Bernardin

Fire Marshal – Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority