Consumer grade fireworks remain illegal in some Tuscarawas Valley cities

A new law allows Ohioans to discharge consumer-grade fireworks on certain holidays, but some cities around the state have decided to continue the ban — including New Philadelphia, Dover and Uhrichsville.

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Under previous law, individuals could purchase consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio but had to transport them out of state within 48 hours. 

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, the law allows consumers to discharge fireworks on their own property or on another person’s property if the owner of that property has given express permission for fireworks to be discharged. 

The rules apply to 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks — think Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers. It's still illegal for people to purchase display-grade fireworks unless they have the proper license.

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As part of the new law, any political subdivision may opt out of allowing the ability to discharge within their limits.

That is the case with the three largest cities in Tuscarawas County. 

The New Philadelphia Fire Department issued a press release Tuesday with this reminder: "The City of New Philadelphia has joined numerous other communities in Ohio and opted out of ORC 3743.45. This makes possession and discharge of Class 1.4G consumer grade fireworks illegal in the City of New Philadelphia."

Council passed legislation to continue the ban on the recommendation of fire department officials.

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"We would still have control over consumer grade fireworks, when they could be set off, where they could be set off, and even the outright banning, which our current ordinances do," Law Director Marvin Fete told council when the issue was discussed.

Dover council voted to opt out of the legislation at the recommendation of Fire Chief Russ Volkert and Police Chief Paul Bantum.

"I think this is a good thing. In residential neighborhoods, you don't want fireworks going off like they have at the park at the end of summer in your neighborhood, starting fires," Councilwoman Sandy Moss said at the time.

In addition, Uhrichsville council also voted to continue to ban the use of fireworks by private individuals. 

The discharge of fireworks is also illegal inside the corporation limits of the Village of Dennison.

According to the Ohio Department of Commerce, "Only fireworks purchased in Ohio may be discharged in Ohio. Consumers may purchase fireworks from any of the licensed sales locations throughout the state. When purchasing fireworks, the retailer must provide consumers with safety glasses (for free or at a nominal charge) and with a safety pamphlet."

Ohioans can discharge consumer fireworks on the following dates and times:

• July 3, 4 and 5, and the weekends immediately before and after (4 to 11 p.m.)

• Labor Day weekend (4 to 11 p.m.)

• Diwali, a religious festival of lights observed by Hindus, Jains and Sikhs (4 to 11 p.m.)

• New Year’s Eve (4 to 11:59 p.m.)

• New Year’s Day (midnight to 1 a.m.; 4 to 11 p.m.)

• Chinese New Year (4 to 11 p.m.)

• Cinco de Mayo (4 to 11 p.m.)

• Memorial Day weekend (4 to 11 p.m.)

• Juneteenth (4 to 11 p.m.)

The Cincinnati Enquirer contributed to this report.