Sheldon, Iowa — The Fourth of July is this week, and many northwest Iowans like to celebrate with consumer fireworks.
That’s something that was illegal for nearly 80 years, after a catastrophic fire right next door in Spencer. Fireworks became legal again in Iowa about seven years ago, in 2017.
Different cities and counties have different rules when it comes to fireworks. We talked to Sheldon City Manager Sam Kooiker and asked what the rules are in Sheldon. He says you are now allowed to use fireworks — for a few days and only during certain hours.
He says only certain kinds of fireworks may be used, and you have to be extremely careful, both to stay safe, and to stay within the ordinance.
Kooiker admits it’s tough to stay within the letter of the law with some fireworks within city limits.
