The sale and use of fireworks was made legal by the state, but the matter isn’t black and white, as cities may set their own restrictions on fireworks usage.

Washington County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Shawn Ellingson talks about the confusion regarding fireworks, “Everybody thinks that fireworks are legal in Iowa, 24 hours a day right now, a lot of people do. Because all they hear is Iowa legalized fireworks, and they’re really not going to go in depth into trying to research what are the rules, what are the times, where can I do it. They’re probably just going to say, ‘Oh, I didn’t know.’ Well as we all know, ignorance is no excuse for breaking the law, so we’re going to deal with that through discretion, make sure we talk to the people. Explain to them, here’s what the law is, here’s what the rules are, and if we have repeat offenders we’ll have to go ahead and cite them.”

Ainsworth, Brighton, and Crawfordsville are following the state code on fireworks, while Kalona, Wellman, and Riverside have outright prohibited fireworks use within the city limits, and Washington shortened the window of usage. Ellingson recommends those wanting to use fireworks in Washington County to study their town’s ordinance before doing so. For each Washington County town’s ordinance visit KCIIRadio.com.

Ainsworth – Fireworks use is legal in accordance with state law, which states Iowans 18 and older can purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks June 1 – July 8 and December 10 – January 3.

Brighton – Fireworks use is legal in accordance with state law, which states Iowans 18 and older can purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks June 1 – July 8 and December 10 – January 3.

Crawfordsville – Fireworks use is legal in accordance with state law, which states Iowans 18 and older can purchase and use consumer-grade fireworks June 1 – July 8 and December 10 – January 3.

Kalona – Ordinance states a permit must be applied through the city to use fireworks, from a person or organization approved by city authorities as a competent operator, and the person or organization must provide proof of insurance to the city government.

Riverside – Ordinance states a permit must be applied through the city to use fireworks, from a person or organization approved by city authorities as a competent operator, and the person or organization must provide proof of insurance to the city government.

Washington – Ordinance states consumer fireworks can only be used in the window of June 30 – July 8 in the hours of 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. and from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. on July 4. Use will also be allowed from December 31 at 9 a.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.

Wellman – Ordinance states a permit must be applied through the city to use fireworks, from a person or organization approved by city authorities as a competent operator, and the person or organization must provide proof of insurance to the city government.