Fireworks pictured over the Flint River at the Flint Water Festival at Riverbank Park in Downtown Flint. (KT Kanazawich | Flint Beat)

FLINT, Mich. — As Independence Day approaches, city officials are reminding residents to follow Flint’s fireworks ordinance in an effort to ensure safe and respectful celebrations.

Under both state law and city ordinance, fireworks are only permitted from June 29 to July 2 between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m., as well as on the day before, the day of, and the day after major holidays. Fireworks are prohibited between midnight and 8 a.m., regardless of the date.

Those who violate the ordinance could be charged a $500 fine and have their fireworks seized, city officials said.

“We look forward to celebrating the Fourth of July with pride, joy, and community spirit,” Mayor Sheldon Neeley said in a statement. “But we must also be mindful of our neighbors. Let’s celebrate responsibly and make sure everyone in our community feels safe and included.”

Flint’s ordinance also prohibits the use of consumer fireworks on public property, school grounds, church property, or another person’s private property without direct permission.

Consumer fireworks are defined as devices that produce visible or audible effects through combustion. This includes items such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, and Roman candles. The restrictions do not apply to low-impact or novelty items like sparklers, snappers, smoke bombs, or snakes.

For more information about the city’s fireworks ordinance, residents can visit cityofflint.com or contact the Flint Police Department.