Law allows Ohioans to ignite with delight

Beginning July 4th, you can let the fireworks fly — but follow the rules

A new law allows Ohioans legally to discharge fireworks on certain holidays, beginning with the three-day July 4 holiday weekend.

Storeroom manager Vince Kordic of the Phantom Fireworks outlet near the Trumbull / Mahoning County line in Austintown said his store has been "slowly but surely" drawing new customers because of the new law.

Kordic said his store will have expanded hours beginning Friday. staying open until 1 a.m.

"We will have a quick turnaround to fill the shelves in time for an 8-in-the-morning opening," he said.

Kordic said he tries to educate many of his customers about the law. He said many think the law is "widespread" without limitations. He said customers still want "more bang for their bucks" opting for the higher quantity, less quality "finale racks" in the store.

Ohioans legally can discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks on certain days unless a local government such as a township, village or city has chosen to ban their use. Under previous state law, individuals could purchase consumer-grade fireworks in Ohio but had to transport them out of state within 48 hours.

DO'S and DON'TS

According to the state fire marshal's office, here's what residents can and can't do:

• Beginning in July, 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. to 11 p.m.); Labor Day weekend (Sept. 2-4, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); Diwali (Monday, Oct. 24, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); New Year's Eve (4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.); New Year's Day (midnight to 1 a.m.; 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); Chinese New Year (Jan. 22, 2023, 4 p.m. to -11 p.m.); Cinco de Mayo (May 5, 2023, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); Memorial Day weekend (May 27-29, 2023, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); and Juneteenth (June 19, 2023, 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.).

• Consumers can discharge fireworks on their own property or on another person's property if the owner has given express permission for fireworks to be discharged.

• No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks. People 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). Nonaerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators (this includes fountains, firecrackers and ground-effect devices). These separation distances -- for both aerial and nonaerial devices -- are increased for certain types of locations such as hospitals, schools, health care and residential facilities, apartment and multitenant 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 and 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 residents may discuss with local officials the best course of action.