Fireworks FAQs

Beginning July 1, 2022, Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks in Ohio on certain days:

• 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 is May and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day]
• Juneteenth (4 p.m.-11 p.m.) [June 19]
• July 3, 4, and 5, and the Friday, Saturday and Sunday immediately before and after July 4th (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)
• 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.)

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

1. No person under the age of 18 years old is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
2. Persons under the age of 18 cannot be within 150 ft of the discharge point of aerial fireworks.
3. No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.
4. Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 ft of spectators.
5. Non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 ft of spectators.
6. No person can store in excess of 125 lbs. of fireworks unless they have additional safety measures and safeguards in place for such storage.
7. Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors.
8. Fireworks cannot be aimed or discharged toward any person or object (such as buildings).
9. Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property (including the roadway) or private school property.  
10. Fireworks cannot be discharged if drought conditions exist or other weather hazards exist.

Please be courteous by cleaning up any debris. 

Fireworks are extremely dangerous – so, please be safe and follow basic safety protocols. Each year, thousands of people are injured in fireworks-related incidents and sadly, many die as a result. In addition, fireworks start an average of 18,500 fires each year resulting in extensive damage to structures, vehicles, and property. The Consumer Product Safety Commission offers the following guidelines for safety:

Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
Never hold lit fireworks in your hands.
Never light fireworks indoors.
Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material.
Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully douse fireworks that don't discharge or in case of fire.

For more information, visit https://com.ohio.gov/divisions-and-programs/state-fire-marshal/fireworks/guides-and-resources/11-ohios-new-fireworks-law-for-the-consumer