City of Willowick Fireworks Reminder

CITY OF WILLOWICK FIREWORKS REMINDER

Celebrate America’s 250th responsibly.

As our community prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday, the City of Willowick wants everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday safely, responsibly, and respectfully.

Fireworks can be part of the celebration, but the recent change to Willowick’s ordinance does not mean fireworks are allowed anytime, anywhere, or in any manner. The law still places strict limits on when, where, and how fireworks may be used.

In other words: have fun, celebrate, and enjoy the holiday but do not be reckless, unsafe, or inconsiderate of your neighbors.

Most of what was illegal last year is still illegal this year.

What may be legal:

Certain 1.4G consumer fireworks, such as fountains, firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and similar consumer fireworks, may be discharged only if all state and local rules are followed.

What remains illegal:

Display fireworks, 1.3G fireworks, homemade fireworks, altered fireworks, M-80s, M-100s, quarter sticks, and similar explosive devices remain illegal unless handled by properly licensed persons in accordance with Ohio law.

Fireworks may not be aimed at people, vehicles, buildings, animals, or other property.

Who may discharge fireworks:

Only persons 18 years of age or older may handle or discharge consumer fireworks. No person under 18 may handle or discharge fireworks.

Minors must remain at least 150 feet from the discharge point of aerial fireworks.

When fireworks may be discharged for the Fourth of July:

For the Fourth of July holiday, consumer fireworks may only be discharged on:

• July 3

• July 4

• July 5

• The Friday, Saturday, and Sunday immediately before and after July 4

Fireworks may only be discharged between 4:00 p.m. and 11:59 p.m.

Fireworks outside the permitted dates and times remain illegal.

Where fireworks may be discharged:

Fireworks may only be discharged outdoors on private property and only with the property owner’s permission.

Fireworks may not be discharged on public property, streets, sidewalks, parks, public rights-of-way, or private school property.

Required safety distances and restrictions:

Aerial fireworks must be kept at least 150 feet from spectators. Non-aerial fireworks must be kept at least 50 feet from spectators.

Greater distances may be required near apartments, multi-tenant buildings, schools, hospitals, health care facilities, railroads, airports, and other sensitive locations.

Fireworks may not be discharged indoors, in a street or alley, toward any person or object, during unsafe weather conditions, during a burn ban, fire weather watch, or red flag warning, or in any manner that creates a hazard to people, animals, or property.

Alcohol and drugs:

Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Discharging fireworks while under the influence is a criminal offense.

Clean-up:

Anyone discharging fireworks is responsible for inspecting the affected area, cleaning up debris, and safely disposing of spent or dud fireworks.

Enforcement:

The change in Willowick’s ordinance is limited. It is not permission to act recklessly, disturb the peace, damage property, endanger neighbors, or ignore safety rules.

Complaints of illegal or unsafe fireworks activity may be investigated by the Willowick Police Department. Violations may result in citation, criminal charges, and prosecution.

Please celebrate responsibly and be considerate of your neighbors, children, pets, veterans, and residents who are sensitive to loud noise.