Major changes to Ohio fireworks laws went into effect this summer.
As of July 1, 2022, the Ohio Department of Commerce reports Ohioans can discharge consumer grade fireworks (1.4G) within the State, either on their own property or on another person’s property with permission, on days designated by the Ohio Legislature.
Some exceptions apply.
FIREWORKS HOLIDAYS
Days for consumer grade fireworks in Ohio are:
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.)
Lunar 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.)
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.)
The new law allows exceptions for political subdivisions (i.e. villages, cities, townships) that choose to opt out or implement more restrictions. Local governing bodies may also choose to place additional restrictions on when a person can discharge consumer grade fireworks.
West Chester Township has not opted out of this legislation and will enforce the law as written.
Only fireworks purchased from licensed sales locations throughout Ohio may be discharged in the State. Retailers must offer safety glasses and safety pamphlets.
SAFETY FIRST
Laws vary by locale but regardless where you live, West Chester Fire & EMS professionals mostly disapprove of home fireworks. Consider enjoying a professional show put on by an Ohio licensed fireworks exhibitor at local community events and festivals, instead.
If you do choose to use fireworks at home, review the West Chester Fire Department dos and don’ts safety checklist before lighting a fuse:
Don’t use fireworks if under the influence or in possession of illicit drugs and alcohol. It’s against the law.
Don’t hold a lit firework or try to reignite a misfire. Never light fireworks indoors or near people, houses, and flammable material.
Don’t discharge fireworks on days that fall outside the schedule of approved holidays designated by the Ohio Legislature.
Do take every precaution to limit harm and risk. Wear safety glasses, read warning labels, keep children away, and have water nearby to fully extinguish spent fireworks before discarding.
Do refer to the Ohio Revised Code and the Ohio Fire Code Excerpt – Consumer Fireworks Discharge Rules for answers to fireworks questions and concerns.
Do save contact information for West Chester Fire & EMS in your phone. Call 911 in an emergency or dial 513-777-1133 for non-emergencies.
FIRE & EMS REPORTS
In 2021, West Chester Fire Department crews responded to 2,334 fire calls for service and 5,601 EMS calls for service. The total represents an increase of 16.6% from the previous year.
West Chester public safety and other government data is available through Data Informed Government (DIG), an online transparency portal powered by OpenGov. You can explore Fire & EMS Reports, and much more, by getting started at www.WestChesterOH.org/DIG.
For more information from West Chester Fire & EMS, visit www.WestChesterOH.org/Fire.