Be Safe and Courteous When Celebrating with Fireworks

Published on July 01, 2026

Be safe and courteous if you plan to celebrate with fireworks! State and local law allows fireworks to be used during the dates and times listed below. Fireworks are not allowed in city parks or on school grounds, so please only use them on private property. Using fireworks outside of permitted dates and times, on public property without approval, or while under the influence of drugs or alcohol may result in fines of up to $1,000.

To report violations of fireworks ordinances, please call Kalamazoo Public Safety non-emergency at (269) 488-8911.

Always remember that fireworks can be dangerous and cause serious injury. Take steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved:

Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
Avoid buying fireworks that are packaged in brown paper because this is often a sign that the fireworks were made for professional displays and that they could pose a danger to consumers.
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Back up to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.
Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not ignited fully.
Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
Light fireworks one at a time, then move back quickly.
Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it to prevent a trash fire.

When are fireworks allowed?

State and local laws only allow consumer fireworks during specific dates and times. State law permits fireworks to be used on the following dates and times:

New Year's Eve: Starting at 11 a.m. on December 31 until 1 a.m. on January 1
Memorial Day: The Saturday and Sunday before Memorial Day between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.
Independence Day: Starting June 29 through July 4 between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. (and on July 5 if it is a Friday or Saturday only)
Labor Day: The Saturday and Sunday before Labor Day between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m.

City of Kalamazoo ordinance also allows fireworks to be used in celebration of Juneteenth each year:

Juneteenth: On June 19 from 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. if it falls on a Saturday or Sunday. If June 19 falls on a weekday, fireworks are permitted on the third Saturday in June during the same hours.

Where can I find ordinances related to fireworks?

View City of Kalamazoo fireworks ordinances here.

Be considerate of your neighbors

Fireworks can be a trauma reminder for people who have served in combat and be distressing to young children, pets, and animals. Be courteous and check with your neighbors to make sure you won’t be ruining someone’s holiday- and remember, you can always check out a public fireworks display instead.