LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) — With the Fourth of July holiday over, many Ohioans may have unused fireworks left over from their celebrations. State and local officials are reminding residents that fireworks can only be discharged on designated dates and should be stored or disposed of properly to reduce the risk of injury and fire.
Under Ohio law, consumer fireworks were permitted to be discharged for the Independence Day holiday on July 3, 4 and 5. The Ohio State Fire Marshal is reminding residents that fireworks are explosive devices and can be dangerous whether they are being used or stored.
Officials recommend disposing of unused fireworks by soaking them in water for at least 24 hours before placing them in two bags and putting them in the regular trash.
For those who choose to keep fireworks for a future legal discharge date, officials advise storing them in a cool, dry location at least 25 feet away from heat sources, flammable liquids and other ignition sources.
Warren Pughsley, an inspector with the Lima Fire Department, said storing fireworks is not recommended because of the potential danger they pose.
"It can be done, but it's not recommended because you basically have a small bomb in a firework. And so usually people don't just have one. So if they're storing something, they have quite a few because they didn't get to shoot them off or something may have happened and they said, oh, we'll hold on to them. It's just not a good idea. But if people are going to do it, they need to do it safely."
According to state officials, the unsafe use or improper disposal of fireworks results in thousands of emergency room visits each year. In Ohio, there were approximately 110 fireworks-related incidents between Dec. 31, 2024, and Jan. 3, 2025, resulting in an estimated $400,000 in property damage.
The next dates when consumer fireworks may legally be discharged in Ohio are Sept. 5, 6 and 7 during the Labor Day holiday period.
