Marion, OH Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Section 1519.04(A) provides that no person shall possess fireworks in the municipality, or possess for sale or sell them, except a licensed manufacturer under R.C. §§ 3743.02 through 3743.08, a licensed wholesaler under R.C. §§ 3743.15 through 3743.21, an out-of-state resident under R.C. § 3743.44, a resident of the state under R.C. § 3743.45, or a licensed exhibitor under R.C. §§ 3743.50 through 3743.55 and § 1519.02, subject to § 1519.05. Division (B) separately prohibits discharging, igniting or exploding any fireworks in the municipality, again except for licensed exhibitors and the § 1519.05 exemptions. The history note shows the section mirrors Ohio Revised Code § 3743.65.

Other divisions add specific bans. No person can use fireworks showers, or a mixture containing potassium chlorate and sulphur, in a theater or public hall under division (C). Division (D) prohibits selling fireworks or sparklers of any kind to a person under 18 years of age. Division (E) prohibits advertising Class C fireworks for sale, though a sign on a seller's premises identifying the seller as a seller of fireworks is not advertising. Division (F) prohibits possessing Class B fireworks, other than by a licensed manufacturer, wholesaler, exhibitor or shipping permit holder.

A public exhibition needs a permit under § 1519.02. The licensed exhibitor applies to the Fire Chief and the Police Chief or designee, who inspect the premises and confirm the license before signing. The permit fee is $50 plus any necessary costs of investigation and inspection, and the exhibitor provides an indemnity bond of at least $1,000,000 or proof of liability insurance of at least $1,000,000. The permit is not transferable or assignable, and § 1519.03 bars an exhibitor from conducting an exhibition without it.

Section 1519.05 lists exemptions, including pyrotechnic signaling devices and distress signals, railroad fusees and torpedoes, blank cartridges for theaters or athletics, toy caps, novelties and noisemakers, model rockets, and sparklers on a wire stick.