City of Toledo Opts Out of H.B. 172 Banning Consumer Grade Fireworks

Wednesday, June 22, 2022

Earlier today, Toledo City Council, Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, Toledo Fire & Rescue Department, and Toledo Police Department announced that the city of Toledo will opt out of H.B. 172 and reaffirm the ban on igniting discharging, or exploding fireworks in the City of Toledo.

By opting out of this bill, consumer-grade fireworks such as firecrackers, bottle rockets, roman candles and fountains will continue to be illegal for residents to ignite, discharge or explode within the City of Toledo. The Toledo Police Department and the Toledo Fire & Rescue Department will work together to enforce these laws for the safety of our residents and visitors.

Trick and novelty fireworks such as sparklers, snaps, glow snakes and smoke bombs continue to be legal in the City of Toledo but must be used with extreme caution. While legal, these items can still pose serious health problems, including severe burns, injuries to the hands, eyes and face, and even blindness or hearing loss. For example, sparklers burn at up to 1800°, hot enough to melt gold. The risk of severe burns is real. In addition, puncture-type injuries to the eye are not uncommon. Also, most fireworks require a source of ignition, creating other hazards associated with supplying children with matches or lighters. The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a show by a licensed exhibitor.

Please follow the following safety guidelines when using trick and novelty fireworks:

  • No person under the age of 18 is permitted to handle or discharge fireworks.
  • No person can use fireworks while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.
  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks.
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear.
  • Never light fireworks indoors.
  • Only use fireworks away from people, houses, and flammable material.
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks.
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding.
  • Keep water or a fire extinguisher nearby to fully douse fireworks that don't discharge or in case of fire.

Residents are asked to call 911 in the case of an active fireworks incident. Residents should call the non-emergency number 419-255-8443 to report the presence of illegal fireworks or noise complaints.

Watch It Again

Press Conference

City of Toledo Safety Department officials and Toledo City Council live at Toledo Fire & Rescue Department Firehouse 6 to announce opting-out of H.B. 172 and reaffirming the ban on discharging, igniting, or exploding fireworks in the City of Toledo.