Fireworks on the Fourth of July have become a summertime American tradition along with grilled food and apple pie. If you plan to celebrate outdoors on the Hiawatha National Forest, please leave your fireworks at home.
The Hiawatha National Forest reminds the public that possessing, igniting, discharging, or using fireworks of any kind is strictly prohibited on National Forest System lands. According to the Michigan Interagency Dispatch Center, there have been over 90 reported wildfires this year on federal public lands in Michigan, all of which were human-caused.
“Wildfires present an enormous danger not just to the public, but also to the firefighters who have to put themselves at risk to handle a potentially dangerous situation,” said Eric Rebitzke, Fire Management Officer on the Hiawatha and Ottawa. “And most of the time, it’s totally avoidable. When people are out enjoying their public lands, we encourage them to be thoughtful, have fun, and leave the fireworks at home.”
Because of the public danger fireworks present, the legal consequences can be significant.
Lighting or even just possessing fireworks on federal land is punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and up to six months behind bars. In addition, anyone found responsible for starting a wildfire can be held responsible for the cost of suppressing it.
Forest visitors are also reminded to ensure that all fires are extinguished and cold to the touch before leaving them. Remember – if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.
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