Area fire departments are advising caution when it comes to using fireworks this summer.
LIMA — A new law will allow Ohio residents to discharge consumer-grade fireworks on designated days after July 1, except where restricted by local government, according to the State Fire Marshal’s website.
Adults will be permitted to discharge fireworks on the following dates:
• New Year’s Eve and Day
• Chinese New Year (falls between Jan. 21 and Feb. 20; the next celebration is Jan. 22, 2023)
• Cinco de Mayo
• Memorial Day weekend
• Juneteenth (June 19)
• July 3, 4 and 5, and the weekends before and after
• Labor Day weekend
• Diwali (typically in October or November, depending on the Hindu lunar calendar, will be celebrated on Oct. 24 this year)
It is important for residents to check with their local government before using consumer-grade fireworks, as villages, cities, and townships can still choose to restrict or prohibit their use.
There are other legal restrictions on the proper sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks. Ohio residents may only discharge fireworks purchased from licensed sellers within the state, and sellers must provide safety pamphlets to consumers when purchasing fireworks. Discharging fireworks while under the possession or influence of alcohol or other controlled substances is a first-degree misdemeanor.
Local fire departments urge consumers to be cautious when using fireworks and emphasize the importance of following the manufacturer’s safety instructions and exercising common sense.
Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen says his safety concerns are for “misuse by people who don’t follow manufacturer’s guidelines.”
“The key for this to be successful is for people to follow the guidelines and use common-sense safety measures,” he said.
In addition to following manufacturer’s guidelines and respecting their local government’s laws, Chief Kitchen urges area residents to never use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as well as to never allow children access to fireworks.
Shawnee Township Fire Prevention Officer Matt Myers also recommended exercising common sense when using fireworks.
“Always have a water hose or something to extinguish fireworks nearby, and never have anybody close to where you’re going to be setting any fireworks off. And of course, never mix alcohol and fireworks. That’s always a bad combination.”
The new law being set to take place just before July 4, Chief Kitchen wants to make sure that everyone can celebrate the holiday safely.
“Hopefully, if the guidelines are followed, people will have a safe holiday without injury,” he said.
