The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs and State Fire Marshal Tom Hughes reminded residents on May 22 to prioritize safety while grilling and using fireworks during Memorial Day weekend gatherings.
“Memorial Day is a time to reflect, remember, and spend time with family and friends, but it is also a time when preventable fires and injuries increase,” said Marlon I. Brown, Director of the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs. “Taking simple safety precautions can help protect Michigan families and keep holiday celebrations safe.”
Hughes said, “Even though grilling and outdoor celebrations are part of the holiday, they also bring real fire risk when safety steps are overlooked. A few easy steps can prevent fires, protect your home, and keep your family safe.”
The department encourages residents to always grill outdoors away from homes or structures; keep grills at least ten feet from buildings; never use grills on balconies or under overhangs; never leave a grill unattended; keep children and pets at least three feet away from grilling areas; clean grills regularly to reduce grease buildup; check gas grills for leaks before use; always open the lid before lighting gas grills; turn off the grill if you smell gas; use only approved starter fluid for charcoal grills; never use gasoline or other flammable liquids to start a fire; and allow coals to cool completely before disposal in a metal container.
Under Michigan law, consumer fireworks may be used on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day until 11:45 p.m. each night. Residents are advised to purchase fireworks from licensed retailers only, leave professional-grade display fireworks to trained experts, and check local ordinances for additional requirements.
LARA and State Fire Marshal Hughes wished all Michiganders a safe Memorial Day weekend as people honor those who gave their lives in service.
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