Juneteenth is just around the corner and so is fireworks season.
Did you know that in 2022 our legislators’ changed laws that affect how and when you can use fireworks? While fireworks are now legal, they are legal in limited ways. In most cases, if they are used incorrectly, you can still go to jail for up to 180 days and face a fine of $1000.00 or both.
Any fireworks used in Ohio may not be any bigger than graded as a 1.4G firework. Check the packaging on the fireworks to see what grade it is. Also, they cannot be used in the Township Parks, on School lots, on the street or on any other property that is not owned by you, especially if flammable items are sold on any privately owned business properties.
There are specific dates and times when you can use fireworks. Below is a list of dates (and times) when you are permitted to use fireworks:
(1) The first day of January; (12:00AM-1:00AM and 4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(2) Chinese New Year’s Day; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(3) The fifth day of May; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(4) The last Monday in May, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(5) The nineteenth day of June; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(6) The third, fourth, and fifth days of July; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(7) The first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after the fourth day of July; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(8) The first Monday of September, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(9) Diwali; (4:00 PM – 11:00PM)
(10) The thirty-first day of December. (4:00 PM -11:59PM)
Please follow the laws. If you have any questions, please contact the Sheriff’s Office.