Safety is key in Saginaw 4th of July celebrations says fireworks business owner and Fire Dept

SAGINAW, MI—Every year, police and firefighters in Saginaw respond to some sort of fireworks-related injury or property issue.

That’s why the Saginaw Fire Department recently announced a counter-offensive task force to help keep bad actors contained while others reasonably celebrate the Fourth of July holiday.

Charlie Haddad, who owns Charlie’s Fireworks and Platinum Wireless at 1810 Court St. near Bay Road, is joining the city in the encouragement of fireworks safety.

Hundreds of people come by his shop to purchase fireworks despite recent price increases in gas, groceries and other day-to-day amenities. When they do decide to pick up some flammable fun, Haddad says he makes it a point to teach them how to use particular products if someone hasn’t used them before and gives general guidance on firework safety.

“You want to always have adult supervision if you’re under 18,” Haddad said. “Don’t mix alcohol with firework usage, and always keep a safe distance away from anything being displayed or played with like sparklers.”

Haddad has done events with the Saginaw Fire Department and Mayor Brenda Moore in the past, including Christmas and Easter giveaways. This year, he says he’ll be putting on an instructional gathering with the fire department on June 26. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. guests can enjoy free food and drinks while they learn proper firework etiquette and disposal methods.

“We’re always glad to help provide customers with a little bit or a lot of patriotism each year, but, above all else, we want to promote user safety.”

Echoing Haddad’s message is Saginaw Fire Marshall Derron Suchodolski.

“Always make sure that if you are firing something into the air that you have adequate overhead clearance,” Suchodolski said. “Keep in mind tree branches, powerlines, or garage overhangs. Certainly don’t forget that whatever goes up must come down. We’ve dealt with quite a number of fires already this year, and dry grass or roofs on older buildings can light up like campfire tinder.”

Related: Man tries to use fireworks to take out bees’ nest, burns garage down instead

Suchodolski said people should not aim any fireworks, like roman candles or bottle rockets, at others and if you think you have any ‘dud’ products that don’t ignite, do not look into its barrel- instead, dowse it with water before handling or disposing of.

Last year, the Saginaw Police department joined the Fire department by making this statement to MLive on how to stay safe and what could happen if residents do not closely follow local fireworks rules:

Fireworks are legally allowed within the city from June 29 to July 4, between 11 a.m. and 11:45 p.m. Violation of this ordinance is punishable by a civil fine of up to $1,000.

To report illegal use of fireworks, residents can call 911 or email stopthenoise@saginaw-mi.com.

The department provided the following safety tips for personal use of fireworks:

For more information on Sunday’s safety event, call or text Haddad at 989-574-5555

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