Spencer, Iowa — Cities in Iowa that used to prohibit the use of fireworks in their communities altogether or restirct fireworks on holidays more than the state law are having to make some changes to their ordinances as a result of a bill passed in the last session of the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kim Reynolds. It states that fireworks must be allowed to be shot off July 3rd and 4th and December 31st.
In the 1930s, the city of Spencer had a devastating fire after a fireworks accident on Grand Avenue, the city’s main street. That fire is the main reason for the law that used to prohibit almost all fireworks in the state of Iowa. When the state law changed to allow fireworks, the legislature allowed cities and counties to have ordinances that were stricter. But now, even Spencer is among the cities having to make a change — at least on those dates. City Manager Kevin Robinson says they have no choice…but to comply with the new law.
The Spencer City Council approved the first reading, waived the second and third readings, and passed the revision Monday evening. Councilman Ron Hanson says he hopes those shooting off fireworks will be respectful of their neighbors.
(Courtesy fellow Community First Broadcasting station KUOO in Spirit Lake / Y100 in Spencer)
