Warren Mayor Jim Fouts Announces All-Out Effort Against Illegal Fireworks; Will Visit Fireworks Stores July 3 and Ride-Along With Police July 4

In an attempt to control illegal fireworks in Warren on July 4, on the day before Mayor Jim Fouts will be visiting newly-opened stores selling fireworks to advise owners about city fireworks regulations. As he did last year and on Memorial Day this year, Fouts will ride-along with a Warren police officer July 4 to monitor city streets for fireworks violations.

Fouts also said a special task has been formed consisting of police, property maintenance inspectors, CERTS (a police volunteer group), fire department personnel, and park employees, all of whom will be patrolling neighborhoods July 4. This year, for the first time, police undercover officers will also be on the lookout for fireworks ordinance violators.

Police patrols will be specifically assigned to fireworks enforcement. Fouts said penalties are a $500 fine or 90 days in jail, and city parks will be closed, and school properties where fireworks are prohibited will be checked regularly.

Fouts is the only public official in Michigan to voice opposition to the fireworks law passed by the State Legislature in 2012.

“The new law is a money grab by state lawmakers at the expense of disrupting our neighborhoods,” says Fouts. “Now, fireworks are louder, longer and more lethal.”

“The legislation legalizes fireworks on 10 holidays including Christmas and Thanksgiving, which I believe is inappropriate. These are family holidays, hardly days to discharge loud fireworks,” says Fouts. “When fireworks are discharged, I receive many calls from upset residents about the impact of loud fireworks on their pets, senior citizens, young children, and their peace and tranquility. I still believe this law should be rescinded because of the disruption, police overtime, blight, and noise caused by the law.”