Late last year, Governor DeWine signed legislation legalizing the use of consumer fireworks in the State of Ohio effective July 1, 2022.
The new law states that residents can discharge consumer grade fireworks in Ohio either on their own property, or on another person’s property with permission, on certain dates except where a political subdivision has chosen to opt out.
Mentor City Council voted on June 7, 2022 to opt out of the legislation. Although fireworks possession is now legal in the City of Mentor, discharge remains prohibited.
“The Mentor Police Department wants to remind everyone it is illegal to discharge/ignite fireworks in the city,” says Mentor Police Chief Ken Gunsch, “It is a first-degree misdemeanor if you are cited for discharging fireworks.”
The safety of our residents is our top priority.
“As much as fireworks are a huge part of our American heritage, it goes without saying that they are inherently dangerous,” says Mentor Fire Chief Bob Searles, “Due to the legal status of consumer fireworks in our state, we have not seen the numbers of fires or injuries that other communities across the country suffer, but when we do see injuries from discharge of fireworks, they are usually life changing.”