What are the fireworks restrictions in your Stark County community?

Steven M. Grazier, The Independent
·5 min read
Molly Whitehead, store manager at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton, talks recently about Ohio's new fireworks law that takes effect on Friday.
Molly Whitehead, store manager at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton, talks recently about Ohio's new fireworks law that takes effect on Friday.

Many folks in Stark County should soon start noticing some more boom, pop, sparkle and sizzle around their neighborhoods.

Most local governments are following Ohio's lead and permitting residents to legally set off consumer fireworks. Even larger municipalities — like Canton, Alliance and Massillon — have not opted out of the state law, and for now are allowing the use of fireworks.

Meanwhile, Jackson, Lexington and Perry townships have set their own hours on days approved by the state.

Stark County fireworks: Ohio has a new fireworks law. Here's what you need to know about safety, holidays and more

Last fall, Ohio legalized the personal use of fireworks. The new law kicks in Friday. It allows folks to set off fireworks starting Sunday on their own property or another's property with permission.

The state is allowing communities to set some restrictions, or opt out by a vote of council. For instance, communities can decide not to allow fireworks. Or they can restrict them to certain hours or days.

Rayna Keller, a lead cashier at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton, dons a "Legalize It" T-shirt as she works with customers earlier in June. Phantom Fireworks has been working to help legalize fireworks in Ohio for about a dozen years.
Rayna Keller, a lead cashier at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton, dons a "Legalize It" T-shirt as she works with customers earlier in June. Phantom Fireworks has been working to help legalize fireworks in Ohio for about a dozen years.

North Canton has endorsed the state fireworks law.

"We're not opting out, but encourage all our citizens to think safety first," Mayor Stephan Wilder said.

Stark County fireworks: Boom! Here's where to find Fourth of July fireworks in Canton region

Some municipalities are taking time to further weigh options. Alliance, Massillon and Canton, for instance, have no fireworks restrictions at least through the upcoming Fourth of July weekend.

"We're taking a 'wait-and-see' approach (as far as complaints and injuries) and plan to go from there," Alliance Mayor Alan Andreani said.

Minerva, Hills and Dales villages prohibit fireworks

Minerva and Hills and Dales are two Stark villages that have opted out of the state law, and are not allowing fireworks at this time.

"Village Council chose to pass an ordinance that bans the discharge, ignition or explosion of fireworks within the village," Hills and Dales Mayor Mark Samolczyk said recently.

As of Monday, Massillon has not opted to nix the state law, meaning that residents can set off fireworks.

"For now, (by not opting out) the thinking is to allow the new law to function, but still maintain safety," Massillon Fire Chief Matt Heck said.

Ohio's new law notes that people cannot set off fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Legal and illegal fireworks in Ohio

Casual fireworks permitted for discharge in Ohio can be purchased at a local retailer, such as Phantom Fireworks, Wholesale Fireworks and Discount Fireworks, which are in Stark County. They include bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles and repeaters — or those that are lit once and fire multiple rounds.

Thousands of fireworks are available for purchase at Phantom Fireworks, 2801 Faircrest St. SW, Canton.
Thousands of fireworks are available for purchase at Phantom Fireworks, 2801 Faircrest St. SW, Canton.

Molly Whitehead, store manager at Phantom Fireworks, 2801 Faircrest St. SW, said the company has been lobbying Ohio lawmakers for years to legalize fireworks for general consumers.

"We're super excited with (the new law) because this is our home state," said Whitehead, noting that buyers of fireworks are handed a pamphlet explaining how to safely set off fireworks. "We've been trying for 12 years to pass this (law)."

There has also been an uptick in sales this year due to the state law and slowdown of COVID-19, Whitehead said. All fireworks sold at Phantom are consumer grade.

Fireworks that are illegal in Ohio include M-80 cherry bombs, M-100 ash cans, M-250 quarter sticks and M-1000 half sticks.

More: Should neighborhood fireworks be legal in Ohio? There are efforts to legalize it.

Everything classified as "trick fireworks," such as smoke bombs, snakes and sparklers, are free to use anytime and can be purchased at retail shops, gas stations and grocery stores.

Jennifer Mizicko of North Canton talks with her brother, Chris Teutsch, center, and his son Collin Teutsch, 16, of Princeton, Kentucky, about what fireworks to buy recently at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton.
Jennifer Mizicko of North Canton talks with her brother, Chris Teutsch, center, and his son Collin Teutsch, 16, of Princeton, Kentucky, about what fireworks to buy recently at Phantom Fireworks in southwest Canton.

What days are consumer fireworks permitted in Ohio?

Fireworks can be set off only on selected days of the year, as authorized by the state. They are: New Year’s Eve and Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, Juneteenth, Labor Day and Diwali.

The Fourth of July holiday is a bit different. Setting off fireworks is allowed on July 3, 4 and 5, as well as the Friday, Saturday and Sunday after the holiday.

Canton Repository Reporter Malcolm Hall and Editorial Assistant Karen Sidaway contributed to this report.

Reach Steven at steven.grazier@indeonline.com. On Twitter: @sgrazierINDE

Stark cities

Here's a list of Stark County cities and their position on Ohio's fireworks law:

Alliance: No restrictions. The city is taking a "wait-and-see" approach in July.

Canal Fulton: No restrictions

Canton: No restrictions. City Council is to discuss fireworks at an upcoming meeting.

Louisville: No restrictions. City officials are going to see how the July 4 weekend goes.

Massillon: No restrictions

North Canton: No restrictions

Stark townships

Here's a list of Stark County townships and their position on Ohio's fireworks law:

Bethlehem Township: No restrictions

Canton Township: No restrictions

Jackson Township: Fireworks are permitted from 4 to 11 p.m. July 3, 4 and 5, and 4 to 11 p.m. on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday before and after July 4.

Lake Township: No restrictions

Lawrence Township: No restrictions

Lexington Township: Fireworks are permitted from 8 to 11 p.m. July 4, as well as the Saturday and Sunday before the holiday.

Marlboro Township: No restrictions

Nimishillen Township: No restrictions

Osnaburg Township: No restrictions

Paris Township: No restrictions

Perry Township: Fireworks are permitted from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. July 3, 4 and 5; as well as 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on the first Friday, Saturday and Sunday after July 4. In addition, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. on all other days approved by the state for the remainder of the year.

Pike Township: No restrictions

Plain Township: No restrictions

Sugar Creek Township: No restrictions

Tuscarawas Township: No restrictions

Washington Township: No restrictions

Stark villages

Here's a list of Stark County villages and their position on Ohio's fireworks law:

Beach City: No restrictions

Brewster: No restrictions

East Canton: No restrictions

East Sparta: No restrictions

Hartville: No restrictions

Hills and Dales: No fireworks permitted

Magnolia: No restrictions

Meyers Lake: No restrictions

Minerva: No fireworks permitted

Navarre: No restrictions

Waynesburg: No restrictions

Wilmot: No restrictions

This article originally appeared on The Independent: See where Stark County communities stand with new fireworks law