Posted on July 1, 2021 at 8:30 AM by Jessica VanderKolk
Please check out our video about fireworks laws and tips in Battle Creek.
Before we continue, a note about our office and service closures this weekend -
- City offices are closed on Monday, July 5, in observance of the Independence Day holiday.
- Battle Creek Transit services will not run Saturday, July 3 through Monday, July 5. Regular schedules resume on Tuesday, July 6.
- Full Blast Recreation Center is closed on Sunday, July 4. Flash Flood Water Park will be open 12-4 p.m. that day (shortened hours, due to a lifeguard shortage). Recreation facilities are open regular hours on Monday, July 5.
- Republic is closed on Monday, July 5 for the holiday, so everyone will have a one-day delay in your curbside waste pickup.
Back to fireworks. Our local ordinance changed after the state law changed in 2018, and the information in the video above reflects that.
We know many of you will celebrate this weekend, and enjoy the Field of Flight our at the city's Battle Creek Executive Airport. Please enjoy safely, and check out the two fireworks shows scheduled at the airport.
If you choose to display consumer fireworks in your neighborhood, please be kind to your neighbors, their sleeping children, scared pets, and veterans. These are community members who can feel the negative impact of fireworks.
Follow the days and times allowed for home fireworks, and follow safety precautions - like keeping a water bucket or hose nearby, lighting fireworks away from yourself and others, and taking special care with children. Sparklers can be a lot of fun, but they burn hot.
We know police enforcement is a big issue here. Fireworks complaints are important. The truth is, there may be more urgent calls our officers must respond to, and if they are able to get to the fireworks scene, the show might be over. But, you can take photos or videos, and send them to police via the online reporting portal. Police can still pursue the matter after the fact, if you share the information.
Enjoy your celebrations this weekend! Celebrate America! Please do so safely, and let's all take care of our community.