What fireworks are legal and illegal in Iowa

As you get ready to celebrate the 4th of July holiday this weekend.....here is the official release from the city of Dubuque regarding what is and what IS NOT allowed in Iowa.

Be safe this weekend:

As the Independence Day holiday approaches, City of Dubuque officials are reminding residents that most fireworks are illegal in Iowa. The only fireworks legally allowed for use in Iowa are: sparklers on wires, flitter sparklers in paper tubes that do not exceed 1/8 of an inch in diameter, toy snakes, or caps used in cap guns. All others are not only illegal to discharge, but to possess. While these items may be purchased in other states for family enjoyment, they can present a hazard. When using the approved items please remember the following tips:

• Do not allow small children to use them.
• Older children need supervision of an adult.
• Never point any of these devices at anyone or anyone's property.
• Never use any of these items around materials that could be ignited by sparks.

Chapter 33 of the Dubuque City Code states no person shall possess or set off fireworks. The term “fireworks” includes “any explosive composition, or combination of explosives, substances or articles prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion or detonation and includes blank cartridges, firecrackers, torpedoes, sky rockets, Roman candles or other fireworks of like construction and fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or other device containing any explosive substance. The term "fireworks" 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 one-eighth inch (1/8”) in diameter, toy snakes that contain no mercury, or caps used in cap pistols.” The penalty for violation of this ordinance is a municipal infraction, starting at $750 and court costs of $85. The ordinance also states that the City Council may, upon application in writing, grant a permit for the display and use of fireworks “by any organization or groups of individuals when such fireworks display will be handled by a competent operator.”

Both the Dubuque Police Department and Fire Department enforce this ordinance and encourage residents who enjoy fireworks to attend a public, sponsored fireworks display in the area, such as the July 3rd event in Dubuque.

Complaints about illegal fireworks should be directed to Dubuque’s 911 Dispatch Center’s non-emergency number, 589-4415. For additional information on legal fireworks, contact the Dubuque Fire Marshal’s Office at 589-4160.