State Fire Marshal James McNamee is cautioning Ohioans about the safety and legal consequences of possessing and igniting illegal fireworks in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Commerce's Division of State Fire Marshal administers Ohio's fireworks law.

"Ohio law prohibits the use of most fireworks," said State Fire Marshal McNamee. "Furthermore, all fireworks, even those that are legal, can be extremely dangerous."

There are three classifications of fireworks sold in Ohio: trick or novelty items, 1.4G (consumer) fireworks, and 1.3G (display/exhibit) fireworks.

Only novelty item fireworks, such as sparklers, snakes, smoke-related items, and toy trick novelties can be purchased and used in Ohio. "Even though these fireworks are legal, Ohioans should be extremely careful when igniting any fireworks device. All fireworks have the potential to malfunction unexpectedly," Fire Marshal McNamee said. McNamee also noted that even properly functioning fireworks can be dangerous. For instance, the sparklers that many believe to be much safer than other fireworks can reach temperatures of 1800 degrees Fahrenheit, hot enough to melt gold.

Consumer fireworks now referred to as 1.4G fireworks (formerly known as "Class C" fireworks) can be legally sold in Ohio by a licensed wholesaler or manufacturer but cannot be used in Ohio. Firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, skyrockets, fountains, and missiles are examples of 1.4G fireworks. When purchasing these items, the buyer must sign an affidavit stating that they will be taken to a designated out-of-state address. After the items are purchased, Ohio residents must take these fireworks out of Ohio within 48 hours and out-of-state residents must do so within 72 hours. No one can legally discharge these fireworks in Ohio.

The last category of fireworks sold in Ohio are sold exclusively to licensed exhibitors for local displays operated by trained and licensed exhibitors. These 1.3G fireworks (formerly known as "Class B" fireworks) are not available for sale to the public.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that fireworks were involved in 7,600 injuries in 1996. Typical injuries include burns to the eyes, face, and hands. "A warning label is placed on all fireworks packages and on each individual item. Read the label and always use fireworks outdoors with adult supervision," Marshal McNamee said.

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 and six months imprisonment.

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