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FIRE MARSHAL HOPES OHIOANS STAY SAFE DURING FIREWORKS SEASON

 

State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage urges Ohioans to be aware of the inherent dangers of fireworks during this Fourth of July season. Moreover, Marshal Rielage cautions citizens against discharging fireworks in Ohio, which is against state law.

"The safest way for Ohioans to enjoy fireworks is by attending their local, professionally produced fireworks exhibition,"said Marshal Rielage.

Rielage sited the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 1998 statistics as an illustration of just how dangerous fireworks can be. Fireworks injuries sent 8,500 people to hospital emergencies rooms across the country in ’98, the last year for which statistics are available. Approximately 56 percent of the injuries were burns to the hands, eyes and face. Children under the age of 15 comprised 40 percent of the victims. Fireworks, in any form, are potentially dangerous. Even sparklers, popular among children, and considered harmless by most people, can reach temperatures above 1,200 Fahrenheit.

The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal, in conjunction with local fire and enforcement officials, administers Ohio’s fireworks law. Over the last year, the State Fire Marshal’s office has focused on educational efforts for the fireworks industry. The office held 11 in-service training sessions for wholesalers, manufacturers, exhibitors and out-of-state shippers here in Ohio. The Marshal’s office also held workshops to educate local fire department inspectors and fireworks exhibitors on the latest safety techniques for use in public fireworks displays. The Marshal’s fireworks administrator, fire inspectors and investigators also attended classes to discuss the inspection and regulation of the 52 retail fireworks outlets in Ohio.

Inspections of retail fireworks facilities began in early June and will continue through the summer holiday season. Each fireworks retailer is also required to have a security officer, deputy sheriff, or police officer on duty during store hours from June 20^th to July 6^th. These officers are charged with assuring adequate safety and crowd control, including enforcement of the no smoking ban in and around the retail premises.

The Marshal’s office also maintains a Fireworks Incident Team (FIT). This team consists of inspectors, investigators and senior staff officers who will respond to any major fireworks incidents that may occur in Ohio. They will assist local authorities in securing the scene, help determine the cause and origin of the incident, disseminate information to the media and public, and add their expertise on any fireworks related issue.

There are three categories of fireworks in Ohio: trick or novelty fireworks, 1.3G (display fireworks) and 1.4G (consumer fireworks).

Trick and Novelty fireworks include items such as sparklers, snaps, glow snakes and smoke bombs. These can be sold anywhere in Ohio and can be used anywhere in Ohio. The second type of firework is the 1.3G fireworks. These are also known as display fireworks and include items such as aerial shells that are fired from mortars. They can only be sold by a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler to a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler or exhibitor. They can only be discharged by a licensed exhibitor in accordance with Ohio laws regarding exhibitions. The last type of firework is the 1.4G fireworks. These are commonly referred to as consumer fireworks. They include items such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and fountains. These can only be sold by a licensed manufacturer or wholesaler. Anyone over the age of 18 may purchase these items, but must sign a form stating that they will transport the fireworks outside the state of Ohio within 48 hours (or 72 for non-residents of Ohio). These fireworks cannot legally be discharged in the state of Ohio.

Under Ohio's fireworks law, stiff penalties can be applied for the illegal possession or discharge of fireworks. It is a first-degree misdemeanor for non-licensed individuals to discharge fireworks in Ohio, to falsify an application when purchasing fireworks, or to possess them for more than 48 or 72 hours without taking them to the designated out-of-state address. First-time offenders are subject up to a $1,000 fine and six months imprisonment. Subsequent violations become felonies of the fifth degree.

 

 

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