Firework ordinances differ around Southeast Iowa

With the Fourth of July right around the corner fireworks tents will soon be popping up. Various communities in southeast Iowa each have their own ordinances regarding the legality of launching them.

Washington County

According to its website, county residents may only explode fireworks between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. June 1-July 8. On July 4 and the Saturdays and Sundays immediately preceding, fireworks are permitted from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Ainsworth, Brighton, Crawfordsville

In accordance with state law, consumer-grade fireworks are legal in the three above towns if the operator is 18 years old or older. Fireworks can be launched from June 1-July 8.

Columbus Junction

Fireworks may be launched form July 1-7 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. On July 4, they are permitted from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., according to a post on the city's Facebook page. To discharge fireworks outside of the permitted times, the operator must have prior approval from the city council.

Kalona, Riverside, Wellman

Fireworks are not allowed within the city limits of any of the above without a permit from city council and then must be 'handled by a competent operator” according to city ordinances. Proof of insurance is also required to obtain a permit.

Keota

Fireworks are only permitted upon approval of a permit from the city council, according to the ordinance. The possession of wireworks is strictly prohibited but 'does not include gold star-producing sparklers

on wires that contain no magnesium or chlorate or perchlorate, flitter sparklers in paper tubes that do not exceed 1/8 inch in diameter, toy snakes that contain no mercury, or caps used in cap pistols.”

Washington

According to the city ordinance, consumer-grade fireworks are permitted June 30-July 8 form 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on July 4.

Henry County

Mt. Pleasant

Fireworks are legal to be shot off from June 1-July 8 from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. An exception is granted on Thursday, July 4, and the Saturday and Sunday immediately following, July 6 and 7, in which case fireworks are legal from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m., according to city ordinance.

New London, Winfield

Fireworks are not allowed unless interested individuals have obtained a permit from city council, according to city ordinance.

Wayland

Consumer-grade fireworks are permitted within the city from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. on July 4 and the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding from 5 p.m. until 11 p.m. Display fireworks are not legal unless the operator receives a permit from city council, according to city ordinance.

Jefferson County

Fairfield

Fireworks are only legal within city limits if the operator receives a permit from the city council, according to the ordinance.