By: Matt Scher, matts@977thebolt.com
Humboldt Co., IA – The fourth of July is around the corner and local law enforcement is reminding residents throughout the area of the many fireworks ordinances in place for municipalities.
The State Law in regards to fireworks (727.2) says fireworks can be shot off June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., 9:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m. on July 4 and any Saturday and Sunday immediately before or after July 4 and December 31, and 9:00 a.m.-12:30 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Fireworks must be shot off on your own private property, or private property you’ve received permission. State Law prohibits fireworks being shot off in parks, streets, or public right-of-ways.
Laws for different municipalities can be found below:
THOR (2.1-1.0204(2) – No Fireworks Permitted.
GILMORE CITY (41.13(13) – Private party fireworks may be shot off on July 3 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. and July 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
HARDY – NO Fireworks ordinance. Must follow State Law, but anyone shooting off fireworks, must have a permit issued by the Mayor or City Clerk first.
LIVERMORE – No Fireworks Ordinance. Must follow State Law.
BRADGATE (Article V-Fireworks) Must follow State Law, but anyone shooting off fireworks must have a permit issued by the Mayor or City Clerk first.
HUMBOLDT (41.14(3) Fireworks on the 3rd from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. (unless the 3rd is a Saturday or Sunday, then extended to 11:00 p.m. – July 4 from 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. – December 31 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. on January 1 – Cannot discharge from public property or within 500 feet of the fairgrounds or the 4th of July Parade.
OTTOSEN (45.08(2) – NO FIREWORKS PERMITTED.
RENWICK (17.04(2) – NO FIREWORKS PERMITTED – BUT, anyone shooting off fireworks must have a permit issued by City Hall first.
BODE (3-1-5(6) – NO FIREWORKS PERMITTED.
DAKOTA CITY (41.12(3) – NO FIREWORKS PERMITTED.
LUVERNE – NO FIREWORKS PERMITTED, but anyone shooting off fireworks must have a permit issued by City Hall first.
Summer is synonymous with barbeques, parades and fireworks. The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office advises everyone to enjoy fireworks at public displays conducted by professional, and not to use any fireworks at home. They may be legal, but they are not safe. Every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While many of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries.
Law enforcement reminds citizens that not everyone enjoys fireworks and to be respectful of neighbors and neighbors with animals.