Fireworks: Not only dangerous but still illegal in Ohio

COLUMBUS – Fireworks are synonymous with Fourth of July but officials say not only are most fireworks illegal in Ohio, they are also very dangerous.

An estimated 13,000 people were treated in the nation’s emergency rooms last year for fireworks-related injuries, most during the one-month period surrounding the Fourth of July and nearly half involving young adults or children.

“Fingers, hands, eye injuries – those are common, and we want to avoid that. Go to a licensed professional exhibit; leave this up to the professionals,” advises Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Bill Spurgeon. “And if you are going to use these trick and novelty devices absolutely under the supervision of an adult with reading the label carefully, having a bucket of cold water.”

Pixabay
Sparklers can burn as hot as 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. (Pixabay)

While trick and novelty devices like sparklers and snaps are permitted, Spurgeon notes that sparklers can set clothing on fire and cause serious burns.

“These are attractive to children and they get hot, up to 1,800 degrees. And we really feel strongly you should have a bucket of cool water available to immerse those, once they’re done with their display,” he said. “And if someone should get in contact, you should have a source to cool that area immediately.”

It’s a different story for bottle rockets and roman candles: While sold in Ohio, those and other consumer-grade fireworks must be taken out of the state within 48 hours of purchase.

The Ohio House has passed legislation to legalize the use of consumer fireworks, while allowing local communities to restrict the times and dates of use, or ban fireworks all together and that measure is now before the Senate Government Oversight and Reform Committee.

Forty-six states and the District of Columbus allow for use of these types of fireworks.