WARREN (WWJ) -- How were the fireworks in your neighborhood this Fourth of July?
One Metro Detroit-area mayor is fed up with the noise — even likening the celebratory explosions to Russia's war in Ukraine, which has left thousands of civilians dead.
Posting on Facebook Monday night, Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said, "I guess tonight some of you are experiencing what Ukrainians have had to deal with for the past six months or so..." especially since "most people have to work the next day."
Consumer-grade fireworks are allowed in Michigan on certain holidays, and the days leading up to them. For the Fourth of July, fireworks are allowed from June 29 to July 4, until 11:45 p.m., and only when ignited from personal property,
It's illegal to ignite fireworks on public property (including on streets and sidewalks), school property, church property, or another person’s property without their express permission. It's also illegal in Michigan to light fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Violations are punishable by a $1,000 fine.
Mayor Fout's full comments are as follows:
"Fireworks tonight appear to be out of control. The power of these exploding rockets is far more than what should be allowed in a residential neighborhood particularly on an evening when most people have to work the next day. What is it in your area? Is this just in some areas or is it all over? These that have contacted me indicate that it's very bad with more noise and power than ever before. Is this true or not? Let me know what you are experiencing? I guess tonight some of you are experiencing what Ukrainians have had to deal with for the past six months or so."
More than 150 people replied to the mayor's post, including Teri Nieto, who said the fireworks were so bad in his neighborhood that "my house shook and the windows rattled." She added: "My husband who's a Vietnam veteran was very scared and afraid of the fireworks and the dogs went crazy. I think that Warren residence don't care about anyone but themselves."
Neito blamed police, the mayor and city council, and said she hopes the law can be changed. "I don't care what you fireworks people think, spend your money on improving your home, yard, etc.," she wrote.
In an earlier post, Fouts told residents that police can't do anything about fireworks as long as people are following the law. He reminded residents that they "will have to tolerate" increased late-night hours and days because state law supersedes local law, adding that Michigan's law "was written with the lobbyist industry and the purpose is to generate more revenue and jobs for that industry," which he said "supposedly benefits Michigan."
Fouts urged Warren residents to practice a good neighbor policy and be considerate of people with pets, elderly people, people with young children, those with military PTSD, and those who must get up early for work.
Also replying to Fouts was Jenni McCallum who said it's been "really, really bad for two days" in the 14 Mile and Hayes area, adding that Monday night it was "nonstop for going on three straight hours."
While a majority of the commenting tended to agree that there's a problem, others argued that fireworks are not a big deal.
Dawn Vohs-Mulheron wrote: "It’s one weekend a year; I’m pretty sure people will get over it. It’s the same every year. It never bothered me in a bit. Lived at 12 Schoenherr for 35 years and I’m still alive. Please, people need to lighten up."
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