City Of Johnston: FIREWORKS USAGE NOT PERMITTED IN JOHNSTON

Press release from the City of Johnston:

June 15, 2021

As you finalize plans this 4th of July, be sure you obey the City of Johnston’s fireworks ordinance. Discharging fireworks within city limits is illegal. Novelty fireworks like sparklers and snakes are allowed.

Fireworks UseJohnston prohibits the use of fireworks within the city limits. Disregarding the fireworks ordinance is a violation and is punishable by a fine of up to $500 per violation. (City Code Chapter 41.12)

If fireworks are illegally discharged on private property, the property owner can be held responsible for sponsoring the gathering and associated fireworks activities. (City Code Chapter 40.07(1)(H))

Fireworks SalesIn 2017, the Iowa legislature took action to allow sales of consumer fireworks in Iowa from June 1 through July 8. The City’s code limits the sale of fireworks to C-2 and C-3 retail, commercial zoning districts.

Even Sparklers Are DangerousEvery year, young children can be found along parade routes and at festivals with sparklers in hand, but sparklers are a lot more dangerous than most people think.

Sparklers burn at about 2,000 degrees – hot enough to melt some metals. Sparklers can quickly ignite clothing, and children have received severe burns from dropping sparklers on their feet. According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers alone account for more than 25% of emergency room visits for fireworks injuries. For children under five years of age, sparklers accounted for nearly half of the total estimated injuries.

Consider using safer alternatives, such as glow sticks, confetti poppers, or colored streamers.

Professional Fireworks  We encourage you to skip the fine and enjoy the professional fireworks in the metro area.

Altoona: At dusk, Saturday, July 3, Prairie MeadowsGrimes: 10:00 p.m., Sunday, July 4 at the Grimes Sports ComplexUrbandale: 10:00 p.m., Sunday, July 4 at Walker Johnston Park west sideWaukee: 9:30 p.m., Sunday, July 4, Centennial ParkWest Des Moines: 10:00 p.m., Sunday, July 4, over West Des Moines City/School CampusWindsor Heights: At dusk, Saturday, July 3, Colby Park

For questions about Johnston’s fireworks ordinance, contact Fire Marshal Craig Ver Huel at (515) 276-5182. To report illegal fireworks, call the Johnston Police Department at (515) 278-2345. It is helpful if the caller provides a house address on where the fireworks are being discharged.

This press release was produced by the City of Johnston. The views expressed here are the author’s own.