Rozzi Fireworks from Loveland, Ohio is contracted for Kettering’s event and launches the fireworks for the Go 4th event at Delco Park.
Ford and other members of the fire department inspect the fireworks and the equipment used to make sure the event is safe for the workers and people attending the show.
“The state of Ohio has adopted rules and national standards,” Ford said. “What we do is oversee the contractor and make sure everybody’s on the same page, make sure the racks are properly braced, that the distances to the crowd meet the required minimum separation distances and that all the safe guards that are built in to the codes and standards are followed for the setup.”
Kettering’s show is scheduled to begin at 10 p.m. Wednesday.
In Ohio, fireworks exhibitions also require an exhibition permit, which is issued by the local fire chief, police chief or county sheriff, according to the Ohio Department of Commerce.
Licensed exhibitors are required to apply for a licence through the Ohio Bureau of Testing and Registration, pass an exam and complete a background check, the state fire marshal’s office said.
Ford said Kettering officials have security at the launch site for the fireworks 24 hours a day after set up begins.
Persons violating Ohio law for shooting fireworks are subject to a misdemeanor charge for first-time offenders. Those people would also face up to a $1000 fine and six months in jail, according to the fire marshal’s office.
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