State Fire Marshal Robert R. Rielage is stepping up efforts to ensure the safety of Ohioans during the fireworks season. Marshal Rielage also wants Ohioans to be aware of the legal consequences of possessing and igniting illegal fireworks in Ohio. The Ohio Department of Commerce’s Division of State Fire Marshal in conjunction with local fire and enforcement officials administers Ohio’s fireworks law.

"We are working to ensure that inspectors and investigators are well prepared to deal with any situation that arises during the fireworks season," said Marshal Rielage. "The best advice I can give those who want to include fireworks as part of their July 4^th celebration is to avoid the personal use of fireworks and attend your local exhibition."

The State Fire Marshal’s Office has taken steps to provide nine workshops to educate local fire department inspectors and fireworks exhibitors on the latest safety techniques for use in public fireworks displays. The Marshal’s Office has also had their fire inspectors and investigators attend 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 now 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 is also organizing a Fireworks Incident Team (FIT). This team will consist of inspectors, investigators and senior staff officers who will respond to any major fireworks incidents that may occur in Ohio between now and the 4^th of July. They will assist local authorities 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.

"Fireworks are inherently dangerous and their use can result in serious injury," said Marshal Rielage. "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that in 1998, 8,500 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for injuries associated with fireworks. Approximately 55 percent of fireworks related injuries are burns, most to the hands, eyes and head. Nearly 40 percent of the victims were under the age of 15."

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