×

Fort Dodge fireworks rules get final OK

New rules restricting when people can launch fireworks in Fort Dodge received final approval from the City Council on Monday.

In the summer, fireworks can now only be used from July 1 to July 4. Fireworks are allowed between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. on those days.

Also, fireworks can now only be used from 5 p.m. Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. Jan. 1.

Before the City Council acted, the state law on fireworks allowed them to be used between June 1 and July 8 and between Dec. 10 and Jan. 3.

The new city law imposes a $500 fine on people convicted of their first offense violation of the fireworks rules. Previously, that fine was $250.

The new rules do not hold landlords responsible for illegal fireworks use by their tenants.

The rules also do not ban specific types of fireworks.

The council approved the third and final reading of the rules unanimously.

A new state law made most fireworks legal in Iowa last summer for the first time in decades. One of the results of that new law was 491 complaints about fireworks filed with the Fort Dodge Police Department between June 1 and July 8. The city’s elected officials also received many complaints and the council’s meeting room was packed during previous discussions on fireworks.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today