Heads Up, Grand Rapidians! It’s Illegal to Light Off Your Fireworks This Weekend

Sorry to burst your bubble, fair citizens of Grand Rapids, but it's technically illegal for you to light off your fireworks in the city this weekend.

Grand Rapids' fireworks law states that consumer-grade fireworks (the ones you can buy at a store or a fireworks stand) can only be shot off on the day before, the day of, and the day after a holiday.

So, for Independance Day this year, this is when you can legally shoot them off:

• 8 a.m. to midnight Monday, July 3
• 8 a.m. to midnight Tuesday, July 4 
• 8 a.m. to midnight Wednesday, July 5

You also have to be careful about where you're lighting off your fireworks. In the city of Grand Rapids it is illegal to shoot on fireworks in the following places:

• Public streets.
• Sidewalks (because they are owned by the city.)
• Public lands.
• Public parks.
• Within 25 feet of a building (that includes your house.)
• Within 20 feet of a property line.
• Near a gas station. (You have to be at least 500 feet away.

The fine for breaking the laws associated with fireworks and getting caught is $500.

So, if you want to enjoy fireworks this weekend, we suggest you head on down to the Amway Family Fireworks on Saturday. There are also multiple fireworks shows planned around the area for Friday, Sunday, and Monday. Find a full schedule of West Michigan Fireworks here.