Fireworks stands are popping up all throughout the state. It’s a time to celebrate our country’s independence for the 250th year, but it is also a time to be safe and courteous in the use of fireworks.

Within the Iowa Code, there is a section specifically addressing fireworks, under 727.2.

In addition to those basic guidelines, each jurisdiction has their own requirements established through city ordinances.

There are three types of fireworks; display fireworks, consumer fireworks and novelties.

The simplest way to define them are this:

Display fireworks need an application and a permit either from the city or county board of supervisors. They need to be handled by a competent operator. These are usually handled by municipalities, fair associations, amusement parks and other organizations or groups of individuals approved by the city or county.

Consumer fireworks are ones you can purchase to shoot off at your home or on property where you have permission. These are what you will find commonly in the parking lots in temporary locations.

Novelties are fireworks that produce limited visible or audible effects and much smaller amounts of explosives. Examples include sparklers, party poppers and toy pistol caps

The City of Webster City urges families to follow some safety guidelines, as the simplest items, such as sparklers can cause injuries.

There are several rules about using fireworks. Those setting off fireworks must be over the age of 18 years of age.

Alcohol and fireworks do not mix. If under the influence of alcohol, let others set off the fireworks, and stay clear.

Fireworks are only acceptable to shoot off on July 3 and 4 between the hours of 9 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Tim Zahn of Hamilton County Emergency Management, said rules may be different around the county.

“Each community has their own regulations, each town would have their own ordinances.”

The regulations for the State of Iowa would be the guidelines to use outside of any city limits. If setting off fireworks within a city in Hamilton County, the local ordinances need to be observed.

Each city in the county may have their own ordinances established for the use of fireworks.

Webster City’s fireworks ordinance 22-66 details the discharge of fireworks within the city limits of Webster City. These are the guidelines:

A person may use or explode consumer fireworks only from 10 a.m. on July 4 until midnight on July 5 each year. It is unlawful to discharge consumer fireworks without meeting the requirement specified or to discharge fireworks outside the dates and times specified.

No person under the age of 18 years shall discharge consumer fireworks.

A personal shall only discharge consumer fireworks and novelties on realy property they own or on property where consent has been given.

Any person discharging consumer fireworks assumes all responsibility for its operation and the consequences thereof.

No person shall discharge consumer fireworks if he is showing visible signs of, or determined to be intoxicated or under the influence of a drug, narcotic or alcohol.

No person shall discharge consumer fireworks in a reckless manner or manner likely to cause death, injury, fire or property damage.

No person shall alter, remove or discharge components of consumer fireworks other than in its intended method of discharging.

No person shall release a sky lantern or similar open flame device within the city limits.

The city urges residents to be a good neighbor, and if planning to discharge fireworks, talk to your neighbors and anyone with pets in the area to tell them of your intentions so arrangements can be made for those who are negatively affected by fireworks.

Smaller towns in the county may be following the same guidelines that the State of Iowa has established through the Iowa Code with a few exceptions. Tho

The City of Williams will only allow fireworks within the city on personal property from June 27 through July 8 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. with the exception of the Saturdays and Sundays immediately before and after July 4.

Those dates are Saturday June 27, Sunday, June 28, Saturday, July 4, Saturday July 11 and Sunday July 12. On those days, fireworks in Williams can be discharged until 11 p.m.

The only other time Williams allows fireworks is on December 31 between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

City of Stratford will allow fireworks during the day between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4 only. They also allow fireworks for New Years eve.

All residents are responsible for knowing the regulations on fireworks for the jurisdiction area where they are being set off. If not certain, but sure to contact the city, or review the State of Iowa code 727.2 on Fireworks.

Not following the guidelines may result in a fine as set forth in the Iowa Code, citing the violation as a misdemeanor and punishable by a fine of no less than $250.