Grass fire, Mary Waters Park, Grand Rapids. (Photo by WZZM 13's Jack Crawley)
GRAND RAPIDS (WZZM) - The Grand Rapids Fire Department has determined that two north side fires on Monday were caused by the use of fireworks.
The first fire happened in a garage at 1130 Jackson NW. Kids playing with fireworks was the cause of that fire.
The second fire happened at Mary Waters Park where a grass fire grew out of control and threatened East Leonard Elementary School. It took 20 firefighters to put out the fire. Grand Rapids Police are investigating who was responsible for starting the fire.
The city of Grand Rapids is reminding residents that fireworks are not permitted except for national holidays, and the day before and after a holiday.
"There are a lot more fireworks out there because they are now legal," says Grand Rapids Police Capt. Peter McWatters. "Not that we didn't have fireworks problems before, but they seem to be more prevalent, and it's the driest summer we've had in many years."