Starting July 1, consumer-grade fireworks may be legally discharged in Ohio on specific days, but some municipalities have decided to opt out instead.
CLEVELAND — Editor’s note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous fireworks story on June 23, 2022.
A new law that legalizes personal use of consumer-grade fireworks will take effect in Ohio starting July 1 – just in time for Independence Day celebrations.
But as that date quickly approaches, a growing number of municipalities in Northeast Ohio are choosing to opt out of the legislation – which means discharging fireworks will remain restricted. These include:
- Berea
- Brecksville
- Broadview Heights
- Brook Park
- Brunswick
- Cleveland
- Cleveland Heights
- Euclid
- Mayfield Heights
- Mentor
- North Royalton
- Oberlin
- Orange Village
- Parma
- Rocky River
- Strongsville
- Twinsburg
- Vermilion
- Warrensville Heights
- Westlake
NOTE: Keep checking this story as we will continue to update the list of communities that opt out of the new fireworks legislation as more are reported.
Editor’s note: Video in the player above was originally published in a previous story on June 23, 2022.
Last week, officials with the city of Mentor said their decision to opt out was based on the safety of their residents.
“As much as fireworks are a huge part of our American heritage, it goes without saying that they are inherently dangerous,” Mentor Fire Chief Bob Searles said in a press release. “Due to the legal status of consumer fireworks in our state, we have not seen the numbers of fires or injuries that other communities across the country suffer, but when we do see injuries from discharge of fireworks, they are usually life changing.”
So while it’s legal to possess fireworks in Mentor, using them within the city is not.
“The Mentor Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge/ignite fireworks in the city,” says Mentor Police Chief Ken Gunsch, “It is a first-degree misdemeanor if you are cited for discharging fireworks.”
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed the legislation to legalize the use of consumer-grade fireworks late last year. The change means that consumer-grade fireworks may now legally be discharged in Ohio on the following days:
- New Year’s Day
- Chinese New Year
- Cinco de Mayo
- Memorial Day weekend
- Juneteenth
- July 3, 4 and 5 as well as the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday before and after July 4
- Labor Day weekend
- Diwali, a festival of lights celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs and Jains
- New Year’s Eve
