Ohio State Fire Marshal Reminder: Most Fireworks Are Illegal
Issued by the
Ohio Department of Commerce
Shane Cartmill, Public Information Officer
State Fire Marshal Reminds Citizens That Most New Year’s Fireworks Are Illegal
Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper is asking citizens to leave New Year’s fireworks displays to the professionals while also reminding revelers that many fireworks are illegal to discharge in the State of Ohio. This reminder comes in the wake of two serious fireworks-related injuries in the past week.
“The best way for Ohioans to prevent fireworks injuries is to attend a licensed, professional fireworks exhibition on New Year’s Eve,” said Interim State Fire Marshal Donald Cooper. “Keep in mind that even trick and novelty fireworks, like sparklers, are inherently dangerous and can cause serious injury.”
Fireworks, like bottle rockets and roman candles that are sold at fireworks stores around Ohio, can be legally purchased in the state, but must be taken out of Ohio for discharge. “You must be at least 18 years of age to buy items such as firecrackers and bottle rockets at the stores you see along the roadways of Ohio,” said Cooper. “But firing them off within state boundaries is strictly prohibited.”
Under Ohio's fireworks law, stiff penalties can be applied for the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks. It is a first-degree misdemeanor for non-licensed individuals to discharge fireworks in Ohio, to falsify an application when purchasing fireworks, or to possess them for more than 48 hours without taking them out-of-state. First-time offenders are subject to up to a $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment.
The only types of fireworks that can be legally purchased and discharged in Ohio are trick and novelty devices. These include items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake.
On December 25th, a 21-year-old Butler County man received serious injuries to his hand after fireworks he was using detonated. A day later, a 33-year-old Warren County man received serious injuries to both hands after fireworks he was using detonated on the balcony of his apartment building. Both incidents remain under investigation by the Division of State Fire Marshal and the local authorities.
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