MUSCATINE, Iowa – It is time to celebrate our nation’s independence and residents are reminded that the discharge of consumer fireworks is limited to two days in July.
Muscatine City Code states that consumer fireworks can be legally discharged July 3 and July 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. only. The Code also sets the time period for legal discharge of consumer fireworks in celebration of the New Year to 9 a.m. on December 31 to 12:30 a.m. on January 1.
Citizens are urged to be responsible regarding the use of fireworks and to remain within the guidelines established in the Muscatine City Code. Public safety is the foremost concern for City officials in the governance of the sale and use of consumer fireworks.
“Fireworks can have far reaching consequences that are usually not considered when they are ignited,” Kevin Jenison, Communications Manager, said. “The concern of city officials is for the individuals who discharge the fireworks, those individuals who are in the vicinity when fireworks are discharged, those individuals who may be affected by the noise created by the explosions, for the homes, businesses, or other structures that may be ignited by fireworks, and for household pets.”
The City encourages residents to be good neighbors when discharging fireworks, be considerate to any neighbors who may have a sensitivity to fireworks noise, be mindful of pets who may become frightened by the firework explosions, and be mindful of the property lines of others who may not want fireworks on their real property.
Per state law, a person shall not use, explode, or discharge consumer fireworks on real property other than that person’s real property or on the real property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on that property. Sidewalks, the right-of-way between sidewalks and the street, and the City streets are all public property and thus are prohibited. Parks, trails, public parking lots and so on are also off limits.
Using fireworks outside the designated dates and times listed below is considered to be a violation and can result in fines of no less than $250 per violation. Anyone discharging fireworks or allowing the discharge of fireworks on their property assumes responsibility for that discharge and the consequences, if warranted.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers these recommendations:
Do not allow young children to play with fireworks. Sparklers, a firework often considered by many to be the ideal “safe” device for the young, burn at very high temperatures and should not be handled by young children. Children may not understand the danger involved with fireworks and may not act appropriately while using the devices.
Persons under the age of 18 shall not discharge any fireworks without adult supervision.
Do not allow any running or horseplay in or around the fireworks firing area or with fireworks.
Set off fireworks outdoors in a clear area, away from houses, dry leaves, or grass and other flammable materials.
Keep a bucket of water nearby for emergencies and for pouring on fireworks that fail to ignite or explode.
Do not try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.
Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
Never light fireworks in a container, especially a glass or metal container.
Keep unused fireworks away from firing areas.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Check instructions for special storage directions.
Observe local laws.
Never have any portion of your body directly over a firework while lighting.
Do not experiment with homemade fireworks.
Report any fires in buildings, vehicles, or greenspaces by calling 911 immediately!
Enjoy a safe holiday season.
More information can be found on the City of Muscatine Firework Safety page.