Fireworks Rules In Brunswick, Ohio: What's Allowed?

Fireworks are legal in Ohio, but there are rules and restrictions. House Bill 172 allows Ohio residents to legally buy and set off fireworks, but local communities can set limitations and opt out of the new law. For example, in Brunswick, Ohio, the discharge of fireworks is restricted within city limits.

Ohio permits fireworks on certain dates and times

In 2022, a new law was passed in Ohio allowing people to legally set off fireworks on certain holidays. This was the first time in at least half a century that Ohioans, aged 18 and older, could launch consumer fireworks into the air during certain holidays, including Independence Day.

Ohio permits fireworks to be set off on the following dates:

• 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.)
• 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.)
• 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.)
• Juneteenth (4 p.m.-11 p.m.)

It is important to note that local municipalities can set their own rules and prohibitions on fireworks. For example, in 2022, cities such as Cleveland, Cleveland Heights, Columbus, and Dayton opted out of the new law and continued to ban fireworks.

In addition to the specific dates listed above, there are also restrictions on the times and locations where fireworks can be discharged. For example, fireworks can only be set off between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m., unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, consumers can only discharge fireworks on their own property or on another person's property with the owner's permission.

Other restrictions include:

• No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
• No person can use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Fireworks cannot be discharged indoors or in certain proximity to people or buildings.
• Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or if drought conditions exist.

Local limitations and opt-out clauses are allowed

As per Ohio's new fireworks law, which came into effect on July 1, 2022, local limitations and opt-out clauses are allowed. This means that while Ohioans can legally discharge 1.4G consumer fireworks, individual communities may set local limitations and opt out of allowing people to discharge fireworks.

The new law allows Ohioans to set off consumer-grade fireworks from 4 pm to 11 pm on certain designated days, including:

• July 3, 4, and 5, and the weekends immediately before and after Independence Day.
• Several cultural and religious holidays like Labor Day weekend, Diwali, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day, and Juneteenth.

However, cities and townships can choose to create their own limitations or ban the discharge of consumer fireworks, even after the passing of the bill. For instance, cities like Cleveland, Euclid, and Eastlake have chosen to prohibit fireworks, while Amherst and Canton allow fireworks only during specific holidays.

Therefore, it is important for locals to check the websites of their respective cities and townships for clarity on the local laws and regulations regarding fireworks.

There are restrictions on fireworks usage

While fireworks are legal in Ohio, there are restrictions on their usage. For instance, in Brunswick, Ohio, the discharge of fireworks is restricted within city limits.

Firstly, there are limitations on the dates and times fireworks can be set off. In Ohio, fireworks can only be discharged on specific dates, including July 3rd, 4th, and 5th, as well as the weekends before and after. They can only be set off between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. on these days. Other permitted dates include Labor Day weekend, Diwali, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, and Juneteenth.

Secondly, there are restrictions on where fireworks can be discharged. They can only be set off on a person's own property or on another person's property with the owner's permission. Fireworks cannot be discharged on public property or private school property, including streets, highways, alleys, or public ways.

Thirdly, there are age restrictions on fireworks usage. No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks, and individuals under 18 must stay at least 150 feet away from the discharge point of aerial fireworks.

Additionally, there are safety restrictions on the use of fireworks. Aerial devices cannot be discharged within 150 feet of spectators or structures, and non-aerial devices cannot be discharged within 50 feet of spectators. These separation distances are increased for certain occupancies, such as hospitals, schools, and residential buildings. Furthermore, fireworks cannot be stored in excess of 125 pounds without additional safety measures, and they cannot be discharged indoors or in drought conditions or areas with weather hazards.

Lastly, the use of fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances is prohibited.

Fireworks safety measures and safeguards

While fireworks are legal in Ohio, they are banned in Brunswick. If you are in an area where fireworks are legal, here are some safety measures and safeguards to follow:

General Safety Measures

• Only adults should handle fireworks, and only under close supervision.
• Fireworks should only be used outdoors and away from people, houses, and flammable materials.
• Keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby in case of accidents or fires.
• Do not use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• Do not light fireworks indoors.
• Do not point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Do not store more than 125 pounds of fireworks without additional safety measures in place.
• Do not discharge fireworks on public property or private school property.
• Do not discharge fireworks if drought conditions exist or in an area with a red flag warning or other weather hazard.
• Only use fireworks purchased in Ohio.
• Only use fireworks labeled for consumer use.

Safety Measures for Children

• Prevent young children from using fireworks and keep them at a safe distance. The recommended distance is at least 35 feet for ground-based fireworks and 150 feet for aerial fireworks.
• Sparklers should be closely supervised as they burn at about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit and can quickly ignite clothing.
• Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays.

Safety Measures for Faulty Fireworks

• Do not try to relight or approach a failed firework.
• Let duds sit for 5-10 minutes, then put them in a bucket of water to prevent injury from delayed explosions.

Communities that ban fireworks

Fireworks can be a divisive topic, with some people loving the spectacle and excitement they bring, while others are concerned about the noise, safety, and environmental implications. While some places have chosen to legalise fireworks, others have decided to ban them.

Brampton, Canada

A petition to ban fireworks in Brampton, Canada, gained almost 9,000 signatures, and the city council unanimously passed a motion to amend the fireworks bylaw to ban all fireworks except those used by film crews or for city-run events. The ban was in response to a rise in complaints from residents, with the city receiving 1,491 calls related to fireworks in 2024, nearly three times the number received in 2023. Brampton residents are concerned about the excessive noise, particularly late at night, the environmental impact, and the frequency of fireworks displays.

Ohio, USA

In Ohio, while fireworks are legal, individual communities have the option to set local limitations and opt out of allowing fireworks. Many cities in Northeast Ohio have chosen to ban consumer-grade fireworks, including:

• Avon Lake
• Bay Village
• Bedford
• Berea
• Brook Park
• Brunswick
• Cleveland
• Cleveland Heights
• Eastlake
• Euclid
• Fairport Harbor
• Highland Heights
• Lakewood
• Mayfield Heights
• Mayfield Village
• Medina
• Mentor-on-the-Lake
• Middleburg Heights
• Newburgh Heights
• North Royalton
• Parma
• Parma Heights
• Pepper Pike
• Rocky River
• Shaker Heights
• Seven Hills
• South Euclid
• Strongsville
• Tallmadge
• Twinsburg
• Wadsworth
• Warrensville Heights
• Westlake
• Wickliffe
• Vermilion

These communities have cited safety concerns and the desire to prevent fires and injuries as reasons for banning fireworks.

Frequently asked questions