Letting off fireworks could mean first-degree misdemeanor
Improper use may cause injury
Wadsworth fireworks will be July 3. Photo by EMILY CANNING-DEAN
WADSWORTH – Fireworks and Fourth of July often go hand in hand as people are excited to celebration the nation’s independence, but law enforcement officials remind that it is illegal to set off fireworks without the proper permit.
“There is language in the Ohio Revised Code and under the city code that prohibits the possession or use of fireworks without a permit,” Police Chief Randall Reinke said.
Violators of this code could be looking at a first-degree misdemeanor.
Reinke added that setting off fireworks can be dangerous and can cause injuries.
“I’m not aware of any real serious injuries like death or losing a hand,” Reinke said. “But in the past I have seen varying degrees of injuries to hands, especially with juveniles and young adults.”
Reinke said it can be especially dangerous when people use fireworks in an inappropriate way such as shooting them at cars or from cars or at pedestrians.
“I don’t think that has happened over the last couple of years, knock on wood,” Reinke said.
Reinke said the police department usually receives a lot of calls from residents about fireworks being illegally let off on the Fourth of July and the days leading up to it.
“Generally people won’t call for someone shooting off one or two, but if it is continually happening we will receive calls,” he said, adding that he especially hopes citizens will call if they see anyone using the fireworks in an especially dangerous way such as shooting them at people or cars.
While fireworks are prohibited, Reinke said novelty items such as sparklers, trick noise makers, glow worms, smoke devices and poppers are permitted.
City hosting display
The city will host its own fireworks display Monday, July 3 at sundown. The fireworks will be let off at Woodlawn Cemetery and roads in the downtown area will be closed off, so residents can bring blankets and chairs into downtown to watch the fireworks and enjoy some community time. The rain date is July 5.
“There is language in the Ohio Revised Code and under the city code that prohibits the possession or use of fireworks without a permit,” Police Chief Randall Reinke said.
Violators of this code could be looking at a first-degree misdemeanor.
Reinke added that setting off fireworks can be dangerous and can cause injuries.
“I’m not aware of any real serious injuries like death or losing a hand,” Reinke said. “But in the past I have seen varying degrees of injuries to hands, especially with juveniles and young adults.”
Reinke said it can be especially dangerous when people use fireworks in an inappropriate way such as shooting them at cars or from cars or at pedestrians.
“I don’t think that has happened over the last couple of years, knock on wood,” Reinke said.
Reinke said the police department usually receives a lot of calls from residents about fireworks being illegally let off on the Fourth of July and the days leading up to it.
“Generally people won’t call for someone shooting off one or two, but if it is continually happening we will receive calls,” he said, adding that he especially hopes citizens will call if they see anyone using the fireworks in an especially dangerous way such as shooting them at people or cars.
While fireworks are prohibited, Reinke said novelty items such as sparklers, trick noise makers, glow worms, smoke devices and poppers are permitted.
City hosting display
The city will host its own fireworks display Monday, July 3 at sundown. The fireworks will be let off at Woodlawn Cemetery and roads in the downtown area will be closed off, so residents can bring blankets and chairs into downtown to watch the fireworks and enjoy some community time. The rain date is July 5.