Fireworks in East Lansing: Legal Hours, Fines and Safety Tips

As Independence Day celebrations fill the skies with fireworks this weekend, East Lansing residents should remember state and local laws limit when fireworks can be used. Violations can carry hefty fines, and following safety guidelines can help prevent injuries and fires.

Local ordinances and state law

Michigan state law divides fireworks into three different categories:

Consumer: Aerials, Roman candles, bottle rockets, firecrackers.
Low-impact: Sparklers, ground spinners, and illuminating torches.
Novelty: Party poppers, snappers, and snakes.

The East Lansing fireworks ordinance allows consumer fireworks to be used strictly on personal property during specific holiday windows. Around the Fourth of July, fireworks are permitted from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m., from June 29 through July 4.

Setting off fireworks outside of this timeframe is a civil infraction carrying a $1,000 fine per violation — each individual firework counts as a separate offense.

Safety tips

In 2025, the Consumer Product Safety Commission reported 15 fireworks-related deaths and an estimated 13,000 injuries. The East Lansing Fire Department recommends the following precautions:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of a fire or other mishap.
Only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer use, and not professional.
Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Follow all instructions and warnings on fireworks and never hold them in hand unless instructions specify to do so.

Hearing protection

Noise from fireworks can reach 145-170 decibels. The American Speech-Language Hearing Association warns that any sudden noise above 140 decibels can cause instant hearing damage. For context, 75-80 decibels is considered the safe limit for adults.

It is recommended to wear earplugs to prevent potential damage, especially for babies and kids who are extra sensitive to noise as they are still developing. In addition, keeping sufficient distance between yourself and the firework is important, as the sound is louder the closer you are to it.

Fireworks show

While the City of East Lansing does not host its own firework display, Lansing has a full Fourth of July celebration planned including, a parade at the Capitol loop, live music and a public fireworks display at Adado Riverfront Park.