Solon Safety Officials Warn Residents About Fireworks

Solon Police Chief Chris Viland and Fire Chief Bill Shaw want residents to stay safe this Fourth of July.

The best way to do that, they say, is follow the rules regarding fireworks in Ohio.

State law says that it's illegal for anyone to set off fireworks unless you have a license to do so. And there's little gray area.

Basically, if it goes bang, it's illegal.

The other law is that if you buy fireworks in Ohio, you must remove them from the state within 48 hours. You are required to sign an agreement at the time purchasing pledging to follow this law.

Viland said that Solon police will "confiscate, cite and arrest" anyone they catch setting off fireworks.

He reminds residents, who may call the police to complain about neighbors setting off fireworks, that police have to actually witness the fireworks being set off to take action.

The other issue is sparklers, which are legal but can be dangerous. Because of that, Shaw said that sparklers are banned from the community park.

"They become very hot, can start fires and cause burns," he said.

The best way to enjoy fireworks is to enjoy the city's show. It is scheduled to begin at about 9:45 p.m. tonight at the community park.