Here's where Akron area residents can set off fireworks on July 4th

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·2 min read
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Fireworks burst in the sky above Canal Park in Akron.
Fireworks burst in the sky above Canal Park in Akron.

Can we or can't we?

Residents may be asking themselves this question on whether or not they can light fireworks on their property, something that is illegal through month's end in Ohio. On July 1, the state will allow residents to ignite fireworks on their property on certain holidays such as Independence Day, Labor Day weekend and Memorial Day weekend.

However, the state law does allow communities to "opt out," or keep a ban on lighting fireworks without a permit. Communities also can impose restrictions, such as not allowing fireworks to be set off after a certain time.

The Beacon Journal reached out to municipalities and townships in the Akron area to find out where they stand on regulating fireworks displays. Here's what we found out from communities that responded.

What's different in Summit County: Changes in Ohio fireworks law leave Akron area with mixed bag of local regulations

These Ohio communities will permit fireworks in line with state law

Several communities will allow residents to light fireworks on the dates specified by the state, including:

  • Bath

  • Boston Heights

  • Boston Township

  • Copley

  • Coventry

  • Green

  • Hudson

  • Macedonia

  • New Franklin

  • Northfield Center

  • Northfield Village

  • Norton (with a midnight cutoff for setting off fireworks)

  • Reminderville

  • Richfield Township

  • Sagamore Hills

  • Stow

  • Twinsburg Township

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Here's where you'll need permission to set off fireworks in Summit County

Several local communities have decided to maintain a ban on igniting fireworks without a permit. They include:

  • Akron

  • Barberton

  • Cuyahoga Falls

  • Mogadore

  • Munroe Falls

  • Richfield Village

  • Silver Lake

  • Springfield Township

  • Tallmadge

  • Twinsburg

  • Wadsworth

"We encourage everyone to leave fireworks to the professionals," Twinsburg officials said in a city news release.

Mayor Allen Mavrides of Munroe Falls said that the city will "continue to apply our current fireworks ordinance."

"It has been the city’s position for many years that the discharge of consumer grade fireworks poses a significant danger to the public, may result in serious injuries including death, and cause the unnecessary loss of property," Mavrides said.

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These Ohio communities have not decided their approaches

There are several communities which are still debating whether to follow the state law, impose restrictions on the state law, or opt out. They include:

  • Coventry Township

  • Fairlawn: City Council is still reviewing its options as of June 29.

  • Lakemore: As of June 29, a final decision has not been made.

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Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Can you set off July 4 fireworks at your Summit County residence?