Michigan authorities recently seized more than 17,000 pounds of illegal fireworks and explosives during a multi-phase investigation.
The investigation was led by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs’ Bureau of Fire Services and the State Fire Marshal, officials said.
The agencies worked with the Detroit Police Department Bomb Squad, Garden City Police Department, and Garden City Fire Department on the investigation.
“Protecting Michigan residents is at the core of LARA’s mission, and this investigation demonstrates the important role our public safety partners play in keeping communities safe,” Marlon Brown, the department’s director, said in a statement on Thursday. “LARA remains committed to supporting the State Fire Marshal and BFS as they work to enforce Michigan fireworks laws and reduce risks to residents.”
The fireworks seized
Officials said some of the illegal pyrotechnics they seized included overloaded explosive devices and professional display fireworks as large as 12-inch aerial shells. The fireworks are intended for use by trained and licensed professionals only.
About 12,000 pounds of the seized materials consisted of overloaded explosive devices falsely labeled as 1.4G consumer fireworks, according to authorities.
They said another 5,000 pounds were federally regulated 1.3G display fireworks, professional-grade explosive materials that require specialized training, licensing, storage, and handling under federal law.
Improper storage, transportation, distribution, or use of the explosive devices can result in fire, serious injuries, death, and significant property damage, officials said.
“These products were never intended for use by the general public,” State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes said in a statement. “Illegal fireworks and explosive materials can create serious safety hazards when they are improperly possessed, stored, transported, or used. Removing these products from circulation helps prevent tragedies before they occur.”
cramirez@detroitnews.com
@CharlesERamirez
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Michigan officials seize 17K pounds of Illegal fireworks, explosives
Reporting by Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Charles E. Ramirez, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
