Staff report

COLUMBUS, Ohio — A new law allows Ohioans to legally discharge fireworks on certain holidays. Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on certain days unless the relevant political subdivision has chosen to ban their use. Under previous law, individuals could purchase consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio but had to transport them out of state within 48 hours.

Beginning July 2022, unless limited by local laws, Ohioans can discharge consumer fireworks on the following dates and times:

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

Labor Day weekend (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)

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.)

Juneteenth (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)

Consumers can 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.

Ohio Revised Code (R.C.) § 3743.45 (as effective July 1, 2022) and Ohio Fire Code (OFC) § 5626 (effective July 3, 2022) apply and can be read in their entirety via the links provided. Relevant OFC provisions outline how 1.4G consumer fireworks must be used and stored by consumers. Some provisions in the rules include:

No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.

Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 feet of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.

No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance. A person who violates this is guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor.

Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators (this includes aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets).

Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices).

Note: These separation distances – for both aerial and non-aerial devices – are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, healthcare and residential facilities, apartment and multi-tenant buildings, military installations and railroads.

No person can store in excess of 125 pounds (net weight of pyrotechnic composition) of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.

Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.

Fireworks cannot be aimed at or discharged toward any person or object (such as buildings).

Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property.

Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or in an area where a red flag warning is in place or other weather hazard exists.

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.

As part of the new law, any political subdivision may opt-out of allowing the ability to discharge within their limits so discuss with your local officials the best course of action for your jurisdiction.

The State Fire Marshal provides rules to the public related to the new fireworks law. For a complete look at the new fireworks rules, visit the Division website.