CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA (KCRG) – If you`re planning to shoot fireworks this weekend, make sure you know the rules you`re in. In Marion, consumer fireworks can be used on July 4 from noon to 11 p.m. on the user`s property or on another person`s property with permission. The fine for the use of fireworks at indeterminate hours is $750 for Marion`s first offence. Fireworks are prohibited in Des Moines, West Des Moines, Altoona, Clive, Johnston, Urbandale, Ames and Windsor Heights. However, some of these cities plan to host public fireworks. Lt. Jeff Rullman, a spokesman for the Polk County Sheriff`s Office, said lawmakers should use their discretion when responding to complaints about fireworks. They usually respond to an initial complaint by educating people about fireworks regulation and issuing a warning, he said. Other complaints may lead to citations. Some cities allow them and others, like Cedar Rapids, do not. Although it is illegal to shoot fireworks in the city of Cedar Rapids, you can buy them there. Officials from the Des Moines Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff`s Office said complaints about fireworks were higher than in previous years.
Still, the state`s fire marshal`s office issued 574 licenses to sell fireworks throughout Iowa this year, or just under 583 in 2021. “I don`t think people really understand mainstream-quality fireworks and the punch they can catch, so to speak,” McKinnon said. “They think that since they can buy them here, they can drop them off here.” The state legalized fireworks in 2017, a moment that Cedar Rapids Fire Marshal Vance McKinnon remembers well. “We remind every customer to hand out a flyer when they live in Cedar Rapids. We are handing out a flyer saying it`s illegal to shoot,” said Kevin Dudley, store manager. Fireworks for the general public are only allowed on certain dates and times with the permission of the owner. They are on July 4th from 9:00 am to 11 pm and on December 31 / January 1 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. This year, he said, customers are buying more fireworks per sale. “It`s a lot of choice. Lots of stuff for kids to the biggest. A lot of people party with friends,” he said.
Are you planning to hold your own fireworks? After the Iowa Legislature legalized the sale of fireworks to consumers in May 2017 after a nearly 80-year hiatus, fireworks injuries more than doubled, according to data from hospitals and clinics at the University of Iowa. The new law, Senate File 2285, prohibits municipal governments from regulating the sale of fireworks only in industrial areas such as Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and other communities. But the law still allows cities to regulate when consumers can turn on fireworks — or even ban them. However, regulations for recreational fireworks vary from city to city, with some completely prohibiting the use of consumer fireworks. With the new law, officials in Cedar Rapids, Iowa City and Marion expect more injuries and reports of illegal fireworks. “It happened in the 11th century. Time of the last day when a city could do anything about it. The first year, the fireworks were free for everyone,” McKinnon said.
A new law in Iowa that tells cities they can`t restrict consumer sales of fireworks to certain parts of the city is leading to increased tent sales in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids — and concerns among local officials that buyers mistakenly think it`s legal in those cities to buy the fireworks they buy there. first. Brian Greer, the Iowa City firefighter, said he expects the volume of calls to the Iowa City Police Department to increase during the holidays. Illegal use of fireworks in Iowa City and Coralville carries a minimum penalty of $250. “Never drink or light fireworks, it`s definitely dangerous. Never turn a dud back on if there is an unexploded ordnance,” Dudley said. “Check with your city to make sure it`s legal.” Hiawatha City Public Safety Officials would like to remind you that the display and use of public fireworks in Hiawatha is permitted to a very limited extent in the following periods. This does not include the display of commercial fireworks. It is important to remember that fireworks can only be used by a person who is 18 years of age or older, on their own property or on the property of a person who has consented to their use. Don`t assume you have permission.
Fireworks may not be used on roads, roads or other public rights-of-way. It also means that the use of fireworks is prohibited in all city parks without a permit. It is your responsibility to know what you are doing and what you are using is legal. The fine for violating any of these laws is not less than $250.00. If you cause injury, fire or property damage, you could be charged with other crimes. The fireworks vendor saw an increase in sales last year, which led to the opening of its third location in the city at 2455 Williams Blvd. SW. In Cedar Rapids, lighting consumer fireworks within city limits is illegal and violations are punishable by a fine of up to $625. Cedar Rapids Fire Marshal Vance McKinnon III said residents can still light snakes, sparks and caps within the city limits. Authorities are demanding that people celebrate the Fourth of July safely and responsibly to neighbors, families with young children and pets, veterans with stress disorders, and others sensitive to loud noises by not illegally firing fireworks. Events 2021: Where to Visit Fireworks and Other Festivities in the Des Moines Metro on the weekend of July 4Th Here is a friendly reminder that fireworks can only be used on certain days and at certain times! Especially between noon and 11:00 pm on July 4th! And do not forget that they can only be used by adults from 18 years old! Have fun and have a safe holiday! Sero said he believes the new law will give customers better access to consumers` fireworks without having to travel outside the city limits.