With the new law that is in effect for the state of Iowa relating to fireworks, the leader in the City of Adel discusses the changes that will be happening during the 4th of July.

According to Mayor Jim Peters, previous state law gave cities the decision to regulate fireworks how they choose, and Adel’s ordinance was to ban them all year round. At the city’s June 10th meeting, the council approved the first reading for the new ordinance to line up with House File 303 that prohibits cities against regulating fireworks on July 3rd, 4th, and December 31st within certain time frames. 

Peters points out that the city is trying to strike a balance between giving people the freedom to shoot off fireworks, but also respect residents who suffer from PTSD, those with pets, and other concerns. He acknowledges that he’s been in contact with local law enforcement on how to go about that.

“I’ve talked with the police chief as 4th of July approaches because that’s the primary season for setting off fireworks, about how they can enforce, and it’s based on complaints that are registered. And the police will respond to complaints if they find someone (shooting off fireworks). One, it’s difficult to find folks that are actually in the act, but if they suspect somebody, then they would just respectfully ask that they not continue (to shoot off fireworks).

Peters notes that in the past, the police department has responded to complaints of fireworks bothering neighbors, but emphasizes that with the new law, the city’s hands are tied in terms of stopping people from shooting off fireworks on July 3rd between 9am and 10pm, July 4th from 9am to 11pm, and December 31st from 9am to 12:30am. He reiterates that outside of those times, law enforcement will be cracking down on residents.