Brownstown Township Drunk Driving Attorney - Post 4th of July Fireworks Causing Trouble in the Community

The article originally appeared in the News Herald - it was written by ​Jackie Harrison-Martin

Brownstown residents ready to blow over fireworks set off after holiday; township authority limited

Enough already.

That is what many Brownstown Township residents are saying about people who continue to light fireworks after the Fourth of July holiday, disrupting those who have to sleep and animals fearful of the loud popping noises.

Residents fed up with the noise level have been expressing their frustration to township officials.

After listening to their concerns, township Supervisor Andrew Linko put out a press release on the issue Thursday.
Linko said Brownstown, like communities throughout the state, has experienced the growth of private fireworks displays by homeowners.

Due to the 2011 Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, it is legal for the public to purchase fireworks that previously were illegal.

However, the move also took away the rights of local government to intervene.

Linko said he has noticed a dramatic increase in noise complaints to his office, as well as the Police Department, after the holiday.

“We have been inundated with neighborhood complaints related to fireworks,” Linko said. “It is difficult to have to tell concerned citizens that the new state law has taken away local regulation of fireworks during holiday celebrations.”

The Michigan Fireworks Safety Act states that local ordinances may not regulate the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks the day before, the day of, or the day after a national holiday.


The exception is the ignition, discharge, or use of consumer fireworks between the hours of midnight and 8 a.m., and 1 and 8 a.m. on New Year's Day.

“I sympathize with those families with small children, pets and those with early morning work schedules after Independence Day,” Linko said. “While we certainly appreciate the celebrations of our nation's freedom, we ask everyone to do so with respect and consideration for one another when using fireworks."

Linko said he continues to try to explain how the township became limited in its authority to regulate the noise.

The supervisor believes unless there are changes in Lansing, these concerns and the frustration of residents will only increase each year.

He is encouraging residents to contact their representatives in Lansing to help bring about changes in the law.