The new Ohio fireworks law goes into effect Friday. Here's what you should know
FREMONT — A new state fireworks law goes into effect Friday, July 1, just in time for the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
Residents who wish to light off firecrackers to celebrate Independence Day now have several holidays during the year where they can do so, provided their city or village doesn't opt out of the new law.
According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, legislation signed by Gov. Mike DeWine last year revamped the state's fireworks law after a years-long push by the industry to legalize them.
Ohio previously allowed consumers to use only sparklers and a handful of other pyrotechnics, and people who bought other types of fireworks had to sign a document saying they would be taken out of state within 48 hours of purchase.
Fireworks can only be set off on private property
Under the new law, a person can only set off fireworks on their own property or another private property with the owner's permission.
The law allows municipalities and townships to opt out or restrict dates and times, or create new ordinances that deal with fireworks.
Fremont Police Chief Derek Wensinger said Wednesday the city's police department made no arrests in 2021 or 2020 related to the possession or discharge of fireworks.
Wensinger said, based on conversations he had with city law director Jim Melle, Ohio Revised Code supersedes city ordinances for fireworks.
The police chief noted that Chapter 3743 of the ORC lays out a few rules for fireworks, with the police department posting links on its Facebook page that residents can click on to learn more about new law.
Law applies only to consumer-grade fireworks
Consumer grade fireworks are permitted on July 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., but can only be used on private property with authorization from the property owner.
The rules apply to 1.4G consumer-grade fireworks — Roman candles, firecrackers, bottle rockets and sparklers.
It's still illegal for people to purchase display-grade fireworks unless they have the proper license, according to the Enquirer.
Wensinger stressed that fireworks are not permitted on city property, including parks.
He said the new law does not limit the enforcement of any ordinance or statute that regulates noise, disturbance of the peace, or disorderly conduct.
"Disorderly conduct is probably the way we'll go if people are not being good neighbors with each other," Wensinger said.
Wensinger said people in possession or under the influence of alcohol are not permitted to be in possession or allowed to discharge fireworks.
Port Clinton to vote on fireworks after July 4 holiday
Mike Snider, Port Clinton's mayor, said Port Clinton City Council held a first reading recently on a new ordinance that would opt out of the new state law and prohibit the possession, discharge, ignition and/or exploding of fireworks within city limits.
Snider said he expects the ordinance will be passed at the council's next meeting, which will come after the Fourth of July holiday weekend.
That means residents in Port Clinton will be able to set off fireworks over the weekend under the standards set forth in the new law.
Snider said he hopes everyone who decides to shoot off fireworks does it in a safe manner and is respectful of their neighbors.
Other dates when fireworks will be permitted under the new law, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce, include:
• 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.).
More information on the new law can be found at com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/fireworks/guides-and-resources/11-ohios-new-fireworks-law-for-the-consumer?fbclid=IwAR2Z64UB8gYbA-F6eB8PSGVtQ_9dfOvkoqh3mBO_E4fuWwBuUdZVBByjwQI.
dacarson@gannett.com
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