Wednesday, June 27, 2007

Fireworks Seized Just in Time for the Fourth

Like corn on the cob and u-pick strawberries, it's definitely seasonal.

Livingston County--patriotic, conservative, independent, fun loving, entrepreneurial? Tuesday, authorities seized the "mother lode" of fireworks--$500,000 worth--enough to fill half a pole barn from floor to ceiling, according to Sheriff Bob Bezotte. The Press and Argus reports that a licensed dealer operating a stand behind a gas station, sold illegal fireworks to an undercover police officer. Investigation of the incident will continue jointly by the Michigan State Police and the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Muskegon County deputies seized 6700 pounds earlier this month in a repeat visit to a man who in 2005 had 800 pounds confiscated.

And, last week in the Grand Rapids area, $40,000 worth--300 boxes of illegal fireworks--turned up during a police search of a storage facility.

The City of Lincoln Park website has an excellent fact sheet on firework safety. Check it out ahead of time for a safe holiday.