Iowa residents are allowed to start the new year with a bang — literally.

Those who wish to light some fireworks to welcome 2026 can do so, and a new state law gives them more time to do it.

Under the law that went into effect July 1, fireworks can be used from 9:30 a.m. today until 12:30 a.m. Thursday. The state law overrides local laws, such as the one in Fort Dodge that provided a much shorter time period in which fireworks could be used on New Year’s Eve.

However, there are some city laws regarding fireworks that are still in place.

Under Fort Dodge city laws, fireworks can only be used on private property. They cannot be used on streets and sidewalks or in parks.

Use of fireworks while drunk or under the influence of drugs is illegal.

Also, no one under age 18 can use fireworks without adult supervision.

Violators will be ticketed, according to Police Chief Dennis Quinn. The penalty for being convicted of violating the city fireworks rules is a $500 fine for the first offense and a $750 fine for subsequent offenses.

Fort Dodge Fire Marshal Dennis Feldmann has said repeatedly that fireworks are essentially explosives that can cause serious injuries and property damage.

He offers these additional safety tips for using fireworks:

• It is better to light them on a hard surface, such as a paved driveway.

• Do not light the fireworks close to buildings or trees.

• Do not hold fireworks while they are being lit.

• Light the fireworks and then get away from them.

• If a firework doesn’t ignite, don’t get close to it and try to relight it as it may go off unexpectedly.

Dud fireworks that do not go off should be soaked with water to prevent them from detonating later, according to Feldmann.