Boom or a bust?
The first Fourth of July celebration with statewide legalized fireworks in over half a century is in the books.
Legislation passed by the Iowa legislature earlier this year lifted the ban, which had been in place since the 1930s following a citywide fire in Spencer. Some cities, including Red Oak, passed ordinances to restrict the dates, times, and usage of fireworks, while Montgomery County, and other locations, followed the state law as-is.
Red Oak city administrator Brad Wright said despite the ordinance, there were some issues with residents sticking to the rules.
“Some did, most didn’t. From the comments I am hearing, fireworks were going off all over town, not just at the sites people had submitted notice to the city as required by our ordinance. People were shooting off fireworks in the streets, alleys, etc,” Wright said.
Additionally, the new availability of fireworks for use within city limits led to a number of calls to city hall, and none were supportive.
“I have had no ‘calls of praise.’ The only people I have heard from are those who think the state was crazy for allowing fireworks. We have received complaints about the continual blasting of fireworks scaring small children, pets and being extremely upsetting to veterans,”
Thankfully, Wright said the number of injuries, which is always a fear when fireworks are used, were limited, and damage was not reported.
“I have not yet heard of any damages. I did hear of one woman who was hit by a firework that was shot off by somebody down the street, but I do not believe she was seriously injured,” Wright said.
Wright said it’s unknown at this time if the council will make any changes to current fireworks ordinance.
“I am quite sure the ordinance will be revisited between now and next year. I can’t say if there will be further restrictions imposed or not,” Wright advised.
Red Oak Police Chief Justin Rhamy said that his department handled a number of instances of residents being outside of the rules established by the fireworks ordinance, though many times, it was unintentional
“I would have to say if we wanted to knit-pick the situation, probably about every single call or individual that we encountered with fireworks where some way, shape or form violating the City Ordinance. We did have those that wanted to follow the city ordinance by going to city hall and filing the proper forms, but that still only amounted to 19 total,” Rhamy advised.
Like Wright and other city hall staff, Rhamy said he received a number of complaint calls over fireworks use, but no more than in recent years.
“In that six-day window from June 30 to July 5 the Red Oak Police Department fielded approximately 35 calls to service in reference to fireworks. I would have say that the numbers are very comparable to years past in reference to complaints,” commented Rhamy.
Despite the calls, Rhamy doesn’t feel the need to further restrict fireworks usage in the coming years.
“Restriction wise, I would have to say no to implementing any further or any more restrictions. The biggest thing I believe that we need to do now is educate, and make sure the people are understanding that the city of Red Oak has a more strict ordinance to follow than what the State of Iowa has implemented,” said Rhamy.
Outside of the cities, in Montgomery County, there were less fireworks restrictions as in Red Oak and other Iowa cities. Due to timing, the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors implemented no ordinance restrictions on fireworks usage, and followed the rules set forth by state law for this year’s July 4 holiday, which Montgomery County Sheriff Joe Sampson said, didn’t cause any problems.
“The County had no major issues over the new fireworks laws,” Sampson said.
Additionally, much like the call volume reported at the Red Oak Police Department, Sampson said there was not an influx of fireworks-related calls.
“The call volume was similar to those in years of the past as far as complaints,” said Sampson.
While the supervisors made plans to discuss implementing a fireworks ordinance starting with next year’s July 4 holiday, Sampson said he didn’t see a need.
“I think the towns need to put in ordinances for the dates, times and types of fireworks, but I don’t think the county needs to, based on what was in the county this year,” Sampson advised.
Montgomery County Supervisor Mike Olson said neither he nor other members of the supervisors received any complaints from county residents. Olson says he doesn’t anticipate any county ordinances involving fireworks.
“At this point, I don’t see an ordinance for the county. It could happen, but I don’t see it being likely at this point. And right now, there’s a permit required with a fee for using fireworks in the county. I still have a problem with that, as fireworks are legal now,” Olson said.
The Red Oak Express also sought public comment in regards to legalized fireworks in the community:
Amber Meyers Adkins: Hated it. I have two young children and a husband who has to get up early in the morning for work. It was just an excuse for inconsiderate people to light things on fire and make a lot of noise, and most of them were not set off in celebration of America’s independence. I think it would be fine for just the weekend and for the Fourth of July holiday, but there were too many nights of it.
Teri McCartney: Overall, within the neighborhoods, it seemed like folks respected the 10pm cut off. I know its probably too much to do after Junction Days - its too bad they don’t do anything else just fireworks. There could be other things similar to what Glenwood did - with their fundraising concert.
Wendy Hardwick: Though I love fireworks myself, I know many people who had small children and pets with major issues. Possibly a fewer number of days in the future?
Jenny Ellis I personally wasn’t affected by the fireworks. We live east of Stanton in the country. We could occasionally hear 1 or 2. I have never seen so many complaints about them on Facebook ever. Mostly people that live in town and the complaint was about the hours that they were being fired off. Small children couldn’t sleep and were scared. People had to get up for work the next day.
Angi Kruse: I think it went over pretty well! It was nice that the kids could be outside playing and still enjoy firework shows from our back yard being put on by neighbors!
The only down side I saw was too many parents allowing their young children to shoot them off.
Matthew McHenry: I think it’s awesome Iowa has finally legalized fireworks and quit treating its citizens like children. Also now they can collect tax money instead of people going across the border and spending their money.
Pamela Mertz-Squires: For the most part everyone followed the new laws with the fireworks at least in my neighborhood.
Teresa D. Euken :We didn’t appreciate having to pick up wrappers and left over debris from neighbors fireworks that landed in our yard. So glad it didn’t land on our roof. Kind of scary!
Shawna Lee Richards-Hernandez: I think some people should have stayed in the time frame stopping at appropriate times but my neighborhood was lit up very beautifully. My children and I loved watching them.
Melissa Jordan Zowasky: It was cool to see. It wasn’t cool to see such an increase in injuries not only related to adults but many children.
Terri Theresa Hartman Limbrick: Loved it! People seemed to be on the whole respectful of the hour restrictions in my neighborhood!
Sharon Abbott Young: Loved it. Nice to see and hear all the celebrating of America’s birthday.
Connie Sparr Copley: I enjoyed the display down at the park. I just hope not very many people or animals got hurt.
Susan Carlson: Hated fireworks should be on the 4th.
Kimberly Wiersgalla Nelson: A planned fireworks display would have been great. There is a noise ordinance for a reason! We aren’t out mowing our yards till 11 pm at night. During the week most people have to work in the morning. Granted, it is a special occasion but really in town you need to be respectful to your neighbors and there was plenty of disrespect surrounding us. Not to mention the mess left behind by someone’s kids that were allowed to shoot them off in the street a half a block away. I think the free for all of fireworks should be limited to the weekends when most are actually celebrating the occasion anyway. A mini fireworks display or let’s just make a loud boom or pop, doesn’t need to be in the middle of a neighborhood when most are in bed. I too worry about people, young and old, getting hurt. Teaching kids how to use fire starters? Just my opinion, go blow stuff up in the country.