06/28/2025
Dearborn Mayor, Police and Fire officials announce zero tolerance policy on illegal firework use during July 4 holiday
The strict policy comes with increased enforcement and direct outreach to parents and families with education on firework safety laws
DEARBORN, MI โ Dearborn Mayor Abdullah H. Hammoud joined Police Chief Issa Shahin and Fire Chief Joseph Murray at a press conference on Thursday, June 26, 2025, to announce an enforcement and education campaign to address illegal and dangerous use of fireworks in the City during the upcoming July 4 weekend.
Mayor Hammoud stated, โAs is with all holidays in the city, the health and safety of our residents is paramount. Over the last three years, weโve had rising concerns about July 4th celebrations in the city of Dearborn. We are setting expectations and new standards with the hope that this year goes off without any major issues. Weโre asking for the support of the community, the families, and the parents to ensure that our young people are acting appropriately and in the safest manner to [guarantee] that nobody gets hurt.โ
Dearbornโs laws, which reflect those of the State, prohibit individuals from discharging fireworks outside of the confines of private property, including keeping debris and waste within property lines, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. between June 29 and July 5.
For the last few years, the city has experienced the dangerous use of fireworks, which has led to first responders and residents being injured. Further, fireworks have been illegally discharged in streets, public areas, and even on school grounds, damaging property in the process.
Chief Shahin stated, โThe Fourth of July is really a time for celebration of our independence, and itโs important that we do it safely. Iโve worked for this police department for 27 years, and in the last two years, the behavior and conduct that weโve seen out on the streets [on July 4th] has been totally unacceptable. โ
Though the City is asking residents to be mindful of safety, in order to maintain a safe and healthy environment during the upcoming national holiday, the Dearborn Police Department will increase police presence throughout the city with dozens of extra officers.
Chief Shahin continued, โThereโs going to be a different posture from the Police Department this year. We will have a significantly increased presence of police officers, reserve officers, and citizen emergency response teams out there to be the eyes and ears to notify us when there is illegal conduct.โ
It will also practice a zero tolerance policy in its enforcement. Individuals will face fines, court appearances, and possible jail time for reckless, illegal discharge of fireworks outside of private property.
Chief Murray outlined efforts to educate residents on safe firework use, stating, โThe Dearborn Fire Department advises everyone to enjoy fireworks displays conducted by professionals and not to use them at home. They may be legal, but they are not safe. Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough [by fireworks] to require medical treatment at [area] emergency rooms. On average, about 19,500 fires as a result of fireworks nationwide.โ
Working through Neighborhood Police Officers and community groups, the City has distributed informational letters urging residents, especially parents of young children, to observe both firework laws and inform them of the Cityโs enforcement plans.
The City is also asking parents to get involved in maintaining a safe holiday weekend. Shahin mentioned possible accountability for parents whose juvenile is found engaging in the dangerous and illegal use of fireworks.
Shahin added, โParents, itโs time to parent. If your kids are out there and unsupervised and causing mayhem or loitering, they will end up at our police station [and] will be given a citation. Parents, as well, will be held accountable. We will issue parents misdemeanor citations for failing to fulfill their parental responsibility.โ
Dearborn residents are reminded that a professional fireworks show will be conducted safely on Saturday, July 5, at 10 p.m. at Camp Dearborn, 1700 General Motors Rd in Milford. More information can be found at Dearborn.gov.
