(Toledo News Now) - Fireworks can be dangerous, which is why there are rules about what can and cannot be used, but different places have different laws.
In Ohio and Michigan, people can set off any party poppers and throw any noisemakers they want. What is new in Michigan is people are allowed to use consumer fireworks, like roman candles. That is not the case in Ohio, where people are not even allowed to set off fireworks that could leave the ground.
Ohio public safety officers said there is a good reason why people are not allowed to set off their own aerial fireworks.
"The ones that we buy on the stands, those things are mass-made and there's no quality control on that. The wick on the first one might burn 10 seconds, the second one might burn less than half a second. And that's where people get into problems because they have them in their hands. They're too close," explained Perrysburg Fire Chief Jeff Klein.
There is also the risk of accidentally setting fires. State officials said there were nearly 100 accidental fires caused by fireworks last year.
"Even though we've had some rain the last few days, it's been so dry before that, the ground sucks it up and it's really still dry. They also have roofs that have been sitting out, baking in the sun all day. If they have wood shingles that can really create a problem. This is why we really don't like people doing it at home," said Klein.
People in Michigan are able to get a little more up close and personal, but the new law allowing people to set off consumer fireworks has some conditions.
"Just because it's permissible, that doesn't mean you can shoot them anywhere. And when it goes off and lands a block over, or over into a field, you still have the responsibility of what happens when it lands," said Monroe Mayor Robert Clark.
In any location, people are not allowed to use fireworks under the influence of alcohol or anywhere near railroad tracks.
Lawmakers said a lot of it comes down to common sense.
"Be mindful of your neighbors. Be respectful of your neighbors. And also: safety first," said Clark.
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