DETROIT (WWJ) The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) seized more than 17,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosive materials.
It comes following an investigation involving the Detroit Police Department Bomb Squad, Garden City Police and Garden City Fire.
LARA said 12,000 pounds of the materials consisted of "overloaded explosive devices falsely labeled as 1.4G fireworks." The other 5,000 pounds were federally regulated 1.3G display fireworks.
According to state regulators, these materials pose "significant risks" of fire, serious injury and property damage.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
The confiscated materials included overloaded explosive devices and professional display fireworks, as large as 12-inch aerial shells. Only trained professionals should use those shells.
The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA)
Improper handling or storage of those shells can result in massive fires, devastating injury or even death, according to LARA.
"These products were never intended for use by the general public," State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes said. "... Our goal is simple: protect Michigan residents, our communities and the first responders who serve them."
