Urbana City Fire Chief Dean Ortlieb spoke to members of the City Council on Tuesday to better explain the guidelines established by Urbana City ordinance for the use of fireworks within the city’s limits.
According to Chief Ortlieb, several years ago, the state passed House Bill 172, which allowed the use of aerial fireworks by citizens in the state of Ohio, but allowed cities to determine if they would follow the guidelines or opt out.
The City of Urbana, along with other local municipalities like Bellefontaine, decided to opt out, therefore prohibiting the use of certain fireworks within Urbana proper.
Chief Ortlieb went on to say it is difficult to enforce these laws, but if someone feels endangered by the use of such explosives, they should contact the fire department directly for assistance.
He says to save 9-1-1 for those life-threatening situations.
