CLEVELAND — Editor's Note: The above video is from a previously published story
Ahead of the upcoming July 4 holiday, Cleveland city officials are reminding residents to refrain from shooting off fireworks, along with celebratory gunfire and unnecessary noise.
In a release, city and police leaders warn that Cleveland's municipal codes involving fireworks and unnecessary noise will be strictly enforced.
The city says fireworks pose a serious threat when not handled properly and cause many fires and severe injuries each year. The vast majority of injuries, according to Cleveland leaders, occur during the weeks leading up to and following the Fourth of July. The discharge of, ignition, or explosion of any fireworks (except novelty or trick fireworks) is illegal in the City of Cleveland.
Ohio law makes illegal discharging of fireworks a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Cleveland leaders add that celebratory gunfire is not only illegal; it is also extremely dangerous. Anyone found to be discharging a firearm within city limits can be arrested.
Police say that unnecessary noise complaints will be investigated and violators will be cited: "The discharge of, ignition, or explosion of any fireworks, except novelty or trick fireworks" is a misdemeanor of the fourth degree. Violations of this section after having been warned within 36 hours of a second occurrence are a misdemeanor of the third degree. Violations of this section during any dates of June 15 through July 15 inclusive are a misdemeanor of the third degree. These violations include setting off “smoke bombs” and noisemakers like "M 1000s."
Last year, 3News Investigates reported that in Cleveland, fireworks calls during the Fourth of July weekend doubled from 2019, from 371 to 713 during a three-day span.
3NEWS INVESTIGATES: Fireworks complaints exploding over Cleveland, suburbs
The Cleveland Division of Police asks for your help in keeping the city safe duruing the July 4 holiday. Citizens can always report crimes anonymously to CrimeStoppers by calling (216) 252-7463 or via text message: text TIP657 plus your message to Crimes (274637).
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