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Warren Police, Mayor Jim Fouts To Patrol For Fireworks Violations

WARREN (AP) — Mayor James Fouts will accompany police officers in Warren as they monitor streets in the Detroit suburb for fireworks violations on the July 4 holiday.

Fouts opposes the state law that allows fireworks saying their use disrupts city neighborhoods. Saturday night's ride-along will be his third consecutive year on fireworks patrol.

State lawmakers legalized louder, more powerful fireworks in Michigan in late 2011. Local governments can regulate fireworks use during nighttime hours on holidays and the day before and after.

"The legislation legalizes fireworks on 10 holidays including Christmas and Thanksgiving, which I believe is inappropriate," Fouts said in a release. "These are family holidays, hardly days to discharge loud fireworks. I still believe this law should be rescinded because of the disruption, police overtime, blight, and noise caused by the law."

Warren's fireworks ordinance prohibits their discharge by anyone under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs. They also cannot be used on any city street or between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. on national holidays.

Fireworks also are not allowed to be discharged within 30 feet of homes, buildings, vehicles, or landscaping.

City parks will be closed Saturday night and the use of fireworks is prohibited on school property.

Patrols in Warren, just north of Detroit, will be conducted by a special task force that also includes property maintenance inspectors, a volunteer police group, fire department personnel and city park employees.

Penalties for fireworks violations include a $500 fine or 90 days in jail.

 

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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