PICKAWAY – Fireworks are a popular way to celebrate holidays, and starting July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on specific days, unless their local political subdivision has chosen to ban their use. However, Ohioans are not permitted to purchase or discharge 1.3G display fireworks. Around the 4th of July there are several days that fireworks can be legally discharged
When Can Fireworks Be Discharged? Ohioans can discharge consumer fireworks on the following dates and times, unless restricted by local laws:
- July 3, 4, and 5, and the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately before and after July 4th (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
- Labor Day Weekend (4 p.m.-11 p.m.) [1st Monday of September and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that Monday]
- Diwali (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
- New Year’s Eve (4 p.m.-11:59 p.m.)
- New Year’s Day (12 a.m.-1 a.m.; 4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
- Chinese New Year (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
- Cinco de Mayo (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
- Memorial Day Weekend (4 p.m.-11 p.m.) [last Monday in May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day]
- Juneteenth (4 p.m.-11 p.m.) [June 19]
Where Can Fireworks Be Discharged? Fireworks can be discharged on a consumer’s property or on another person’s property with the owner’s express permission. However, local political subdivisions (villages, cities, townships, or counties) can ban or restrict the use of fireworks within their boundaries. Consumers should check local laws to ensure compliance.
Fireworks Safety Regulations The Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) § 3743.45 and Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 5626 outline the rules for using and storing 1.4G consumer fireworks:
- No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
- Persons under 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
- Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators.
- Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors or aimed at any person or object.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged on public or private school property.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or if a red flag warning is in place.
- Fireworks cannot be discharged within 150 feet of property housing livestock without providing 5 days’ advance written notice to the owner.
Safety Tips Fireworks are dangerous, causing thousands of injuries and fires each year. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends:
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
- Wear protective eyewear when using fireworks.
- Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
- Light fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
- Do not re-light malfunctioning fireworks.
- Soak spent and unused fireworks in water before discarding.
- Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby.
Purchasing Fireworks Only fireworks purchased in Ohio can be discharged in Ohio. Consumers must buy fireworks from licensed sales locations, where retailers are required to provide safety glasses and a safety pamphlet.
Stay safe and enjoy the fireworks responsibly during the holidays!
