SALEM — While some fireworks are permitted on large enough properties, city residents still need to comply with safety restrictions while celebrating the Fourth of July next week.

Fire Chief Scott Mason said that while residents can legally purchase and use 1.4G fireworks, the sort of commercial fireworks which can commonly be purchased at stores, they still must abide by isolation zones in accordance with Ohio Revised Code (ORC) and that most properties in the city aren’t large enough to meet those requirements. Mason said that for non-aerial fireworks like fountains, firecrackers, and ground effect devices, the isolation zone is 50 feet from any spectators or structures. It is 150 feet for aerial devices like aerial shells, roman candles, cakes, and bottle rockets.

“You still need a 100-foot diameter even for the small stuff. You would pretty much need an area the size of a football field to set off an aerial device,” said Mason.

Mason said that the required isolation zones are even larger near higher occupancy structures like hospitals, schools, or apartment buildings, but he was unsure of the exact distances required. They also cannot be set off on public property, or on a school’s private property, and may only be set off on designated dates like July 3-5, and the first Friday, Saturday, and Sunday before and after July 4. Other permitted holidays include: Jan 1; the day of Chinese New Year; May 5; the last Monday in May, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day; June 19; the first Monday in September, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding that day; Diwali; and Dec 31.

The ordinance, like ORC, prohibits the use of fireworks “while in possession or control of, or under the influence of, any intoxicating liquor, beer, or controlled substance.”

Mason reminded those with sufficient space who intend to celebrate with fireworks to ensure they do so safely.

“Have only a responsible adult set them off and follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations on how to discharge it and have a garden hose or a bucket of water on standby,” said Mason.

He also said that after setting off a firework to let it sit and cool before approaching it in case there is any remaining unexploded ordinance, noting that he would “even venture to say to leave it sit overnight.”

Mason said that after they’ve cooled residents should soak them through with water before disposal, and that they can be safely disposed of in a steel trash can outside of any structures.

“Don’t bring them into the garage or into the house and obviously do not aim fireworks at any other people or property,” said Mason.

The fireworks ordinance also states that it does not “limit the enforcement of any ordinance, resolution or statute that regulates noise, disturbance of the peace, or disorderly conduct,” and the city’s noise ordinance will remain in effect as always.

Police Chief J.T. Panezott also reminded residents to be safe and exercise good judgement while celebrating.

“Use common sense, follow the law and try to be safe, don’t take what’s supposed to be a fun day and make it a trip to the hospital,” said Panezott.

mahart@mojonews.com