Know Before You Glow: State Fire Marshal Reminds Ohioans of Fireworks Laws, Urges Caution Ahead of New Year’s Eve Celebrations

COLUMBUS, Ohio - As we prepare to usher in 2026, the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Marshal (SFM) reminds Ohioans of all ages that mishandled fireworks can turn fun New Year's festivities into life-changing emergencies in an instant.

Under Ohio law, consumer-grade fireworks (1.4G) may be legally discharged on New Year's Eve from 4 p.m. to 1 a.m. and on New Year's Day from 4 to 11 p.m., unless prohibited by local ordinances. But just because fireworks may be legal to use, it doesn't mean there aren't potential risks associated with setting them off.

This past Fourth of July, the State Fire Marshal's Fire and Explosion Investigations Bureau (FEIB) investigated 15 fireworks-related incidents that resulted in 31 injuries. That exceeds the number of fireworks-related incidents (14) the Bureau investigated in all of 2024, which resulted in 28 injuries.

Ohio State Fire Marshal Kevin Reardon says that recent example serves as an important reminder of the significant danger fireworks can pose.

"Fireworks can be fun and beautiful, but they can also be highly unpredictable and dangerous when misused. Unfortunately, it's something we see every year," Marshal Reardon said. "No one wants to start the New Year in an emergency room, so if you're going to handle fireworks, please do it with care, follow the law, and keep safety front and center."

The National Safety Council provides the following tips for those who intend to set off fireworks to celebrate the New Year:

• Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol.
• 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 materials.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting.
• Never ignite devices in a container.
• Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
• Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off, or in case of a fire.

Even trick or novelty fireworks can pose potential safety risks to those who use them. This includes items that smoke, sparkle, snap and snake. Ohioans are encouraged to follow these safety tips when using these kinds of devices:

• Only handle and discharge trick and novelty devices under adult supervision.
• Educate yourself on the hazards of each type of device being used.
• Carefully read and follow the label directions on the packaging.
• Light only one sparkler at a time and hold it away from your body, as well as from others.
• Sparklers should only be used by someone 12 years of age or older.
• Sparkler wires should immediately be placed in a bucket of water to avoid injury since they can remain extremely hot for several minutes following burnout.

If fireworks are being used improperly or outside the permitted dates and times, Ohioans should contact their local law enforcement agency. For more information on fireworks rules, visit com.ohio.gov/fireworks.

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About the Division of State Fire Marshal

The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio's chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at com.ohio.gov.