Can you shoot off fireworks in Columbus? July 4 affects the rules
If you're looking to recreate "the rocket's red glare" this Fourth of July, you're in luck; you can legally shoot off fireworks in some Columbus communities and throughout other parts of Ohio during some specified holidays, including Independence Day.
It hasn't always been that away.
Up until 2021, it was technically illegal to shoot off fireworks in Ohio, even on the United States' birthday. That year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a bill allowing Ohioans to launch fireworks on a handful of holidays.
When can you legally shoot fireworks in Ohio?
Fireworks are allowed on the following days unless your community has banned use. Columbus, for example, does not allow private fireworks. See list in section below.
July 3, 4, and 5, and the weekends immediately before and after from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Labor Day weekend from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Diwali from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
New Year’s Eve from 4 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
New Year’s Day from 12 a.m. to 1 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Chinese New Year from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Cinco de Mayo from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Memorial Day weekend from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Juneteenth from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Only residents over the age of 18 can launch fireworks, and they can't be launched while in possession of or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, along with a slew of other restrictions included in the law.
The law also includes a provision allowing local municipalities to ban fireworks launches. That means that even though they're legal statewide, they might not be legal where you live. Here's where you can and can't launch fireworks in and around Ohio's capital.
Video: 2023 Red, White and Boom from the Junto Hotel in downtown Columbus, Ohio
Where are you allowed to set off fireworks?
Obetz residents can launch them on the same days as the state law provides, but on New Year's Day they can only be fired until 12:30 a.m.
Residents of Powell can launch fireworks on the days the state law listed, but they can't buy them in the city.
Reynoldsburg only allows fireworks on the 4th of July from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Upper Arlington fireworks can only be launched with a written permit from the fire chief.
Where can you not set off fireworks around Columbus?
Bad news, no firework launching in these areas unless you want a hefty fine and a criminal charge. Licensed fireworks exhibitors can still put on shows if they get approval from local authorities.
Bexley
Columbus
Dublin
Gahanna
Grove City, but you're allowed to own them
Groveport, but you're allowed to own them
Hilliard, but you're allowed to own them
Worthington
Westerville, but you're allowed to own them
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fireworks in Columbus: July 4, Labor Day exceptions