Northwest Iowa — With the new fireworks law having been signed by (now former) Governor Terry Branstad, fireworks and what is allowed has been a topic of discussion by the public and by local government leaders.
A couple of weeks ago, we told you that some northwest Iowa towns are considering stricter restrictions on fireworks than the new state law, and at least one is choosing to ban them altogether.
We recently spoke with county officials in our area to ask them if they plan any stricter rules on fireworks than the state law. To date, none of the four northwest Iowa counties have enacted any more rules on fireworks, but of course, that’s subject to change.
In O’Brien County, Auditor Barb Rohwer says the Board of Supervisors has talked about the issue and have decided not to pursue tighter restrictions at this time. She says if it becomes an issue, they have said they will re-address it at that time. Rohwer reminds people that the county does have a permit process in place for larger displays such as town or large-group celebrations.
In Sioux County, officials report that the county board has not discussed the issue, but note that it could come up in the future.
Lyon County Auditor Jen Smit says the Lyon County Board has not discussed the issue either, but it could come up for discussion at their next meeting, which is scheduled for Monday, June 12th.
In Osceola County, auditor Barb Echter says the issue was on their agenda at their last meeting, but they tabled it until their next meeting, which is on Tuesday, June 13th. She says so far they have done nothing with it.
Law officers are noting more fireworks calls. They remind people that even under the new law, fireworks are not allowed during most of the year and are only legal to use during two windows: for about five weeks between June 1st through July 8th, and for about three weeks between December 10th through January 3rd.
