Fireworks In Dearborn and The Mixed Reactions

Every July 4th, Dearborn particularly gives the impression, among other cities, that the Fireworks are overdone by some of its residents.  Although, there are multiple guidelines and regulations as to the type, time, location, dates, and guidelines for lighting fireworks, many of these guidelines are not really followed nor enforced, leaving many residents with mixed feelings.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BWJrTCXhLgf/?taken-at=216675713

In 2013, fireworks caused an estimated 15,600 reported fires in the U.S., including 1,400 structure fires, 200 vehicle fires, and 14,000 outside and other fires.  More than one-quarter (28%) of fires started by fireworks in 2009-2013 were reported on Independence Day. Almost half (47%) of the reported fires on the Fourth of July were started by fireworks.  According to the CPSC, more than one-third (35%) of the people seen in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries from June 20-July 20, 2014 were under 15; nine percent were under five.  CPSC data show that sparklers alone accounted for more than one one-quarter (28%) of the emergency room fireworks injuries seen from June 20-July 20, 2014.

Here is how Dearborn sounded like yesterday, July 4, 2017, after sunset:

 

And here:

and this is shared from the rooftop of the Arab American News:

 

Here is the recommendation of  FireworksSafety.org for the handling of fireworks:

• Obey all local laws regarding the use of fireworks.
• Know your fireworks; read the cautionary labels and performance descriptions before igniting.
• A responsible adult SHOULD supervise all firework activities.  Never give fireworks to children.
• Alcohol and fireworks do not mix.  Save your alcohol for after the show.
• Wear safety glasses when shooting fireworks.
• Light one firework at a time and then quickly move away.
• Use fireworks OUTDOORS in a clear area; away from buildings and vehicles.
• Never relight a “dud” firework.  Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Always have a bucket of water and charged water hose nearby.
• Never carry fireworks in your POCKET or shoot them into METAL or GLASS containers.
• Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
• Dispose of spent fireworks by wetting them down and place in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day.
• FAA regulations PROHIBIT the possession and transportation of fireworks in your checked baggage or carry-on luggage.
• Report illegal explosives, like M-80s and quarter sticks, to the fire or police department.

 

A Dearborn Resident wrote on his facebook wall:

A year ago tonight, we stood in front of our house and watched a jillion dollars worth of fireworks. There is something similar going on tonight. We just took a walk around the neighborhood and got a real show. We just had to break it off and go back to our British costume drama (North and South). We want to find out if the girl and the guy get over their tensions and get together. Of course, we have had to turn up the TV to hear the dialogue.

Thanks to our Arab neighbors.

The overwhelming comments described the situation, more jokingly than seriously, and more specifically for the Lebanese Americans, as a Lebanese civil war nostalgia. One hashtag created on facebook called it #reverseptsd.

For the Iraqi Americans, Intifada nostalgia (uprising) was thrown around jokingly.

 

Some described it as uncivilized:

and some complained about their pets horrible experience during such night:

Some complained about the non-professional layman lighting professional fireworks in residential neighborhoods.  Missy Allen DeVries wrote in the group One Dearborn:

Yeah, it’s a shame professional grade fireworks are being sold to people who ARE NOT professionals. My neighborhood also sounds like a war zone. It worries me that these could land on people’s homes and cause property damage, or even worse.

Dr. Shady Shebak wrote:

Ali Haidous wrote:

A.B. wrote:

I don’t understand how people that live on welfare can afford to light up the sky with fireworks. I doubt they even know the national anthem. Please let us get some sleep so we can go to work and pay the taxes. Where’s the police when you need them.

Bilal Amen wrote:

while others enjoyed, celebrated, and encouraged the purchase of Fireworks:

Some complained into the celebration crossing the time limit of midnight, going deep into the night.

KC wrote:

Irresponsible and disturbing 4th of July firework celebrations in Dearborn into the late hours of the night makes you appreciate the civility of Livonia.

Also, 4th of July can be difficult for Veterans who suffer from PTSD.  They manage their expectations accordingly, but what they suffer from is people sporadically, and outside of the allocated times, firing Fireworks during the night.

One Veteran expressed in an article in NBC News:

It’s not that I don’t want people to have fun,” he said. “On the Fourth of July I’m going to pop my own fireworks. But when you get woken up at two, three o’clock in the morning, it brings back those memories.

“I just want people to have awareness of the veterans, to just be respectful because there are a lot more people who have more stress than I do.”

From a religious perspective, there are different opinions.  While the Catholic Church uses Fireworks itself in celebratory occasions, the Islamic view may differ. On Islamweb.org, the ruling is:

It is permissible to use, sell and buy fireworks on the condition that this does not cause frightening or harming a Muslim, and would not lead one to neglect his religious obligations. In addition to this, their price should not be very expensive, as in this case they would be forbidden. Fireworks are permissible in principle but it they lead to something forbidden, which is the loss of money and spending money inappropriately, then this is wasting money which is forbidden.

while on Seekerspath.co.uk, the ruling is:

It is prohibited to make and sell fireworks to both Muslims and non-Muslims. Fireworks are only permissible with conditions in certain circumstances; like to signal the sighting of the new moon or when frightening animals to protect the crop or to frighten dangerous predatory animals etc.

Answered by Mufti Mohammed Kashif

Dearborn Blog also asked the Institute for Religious Studies, Humanities, and Dialogue, and the Islamic Institute of Knowledge their religious opinion, and is awaiting an answer which will be updated to the article once received.

Imam Talib Sanjari, General Guide of IRSHAD answered: “There is nothing wrong with it if it did not cause any harm”.

The polarized opinions about Fireworks continue in the city year after year, while the use of Fireworks gets worse and worse.  This might be a hot topic for the Dearborn City Council and Mayor candidates.  Maybe a referendum on Fireworks in the city should be added to the next ballot.

Please participate in the discussion or post your own video/photo in the comments section below.