With this year being the 250th birthday of the United States, people will be trying to make the July 4th holiday even more special, and fireworks will be part of the mix.

But because fireworks are explosives, there are rules and safety procedures to be followed.

In Fort Dodge, fireworks can be legally used from July 1 through July 4.

From July 1 -3, they can be used from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

On July 4, they can be used from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Fireworks can only be launched on private property. It is illegal to launch them on streets, or sidewalks or in parks.

“The best safety advice is just don’t use them, but we know that isn’t going to happen,” said Fort Dodge Fire Marshal Dennis Feldman. “Just be cautious and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.”

“Obviously, you want to be in the right mind, no drinking or anything like that,” he added.

Feldman offers these basic tips for launching fireworks safely:

• Have a bucket of water handy.

• Do not hold fireworks while lighting them. Put them on the ground, preferably a dry hard surface.

• Keep fireworks far away from buildings.

Some may consider sparklers to be a safe type of fireworks, but the tip of a lit sparkler is very hot.

“They’re still shooting off sparks and heat,” Feldman said.

Fort Dodge fireworks hours

These are the times that fireworks can legally be launched in the city limits

• 5 to 10 p.m. July 1

• 5 to 10 p.m. July 2

• 5 to 10 p.m. July 3

• 5 to 11 p.m. July 4

Fireworks show set for July 3

A fireworks display will be presented by Fort Frenzy, 3232 First Ave. S., on July 3.

The event will begin at 4 p.m. with live music. Clint Riedel, Jive for Five and Jesse Wilson & Friends will perform.

Fireworks will begin after dark.