Today is Independence Day and Jefferson residents are reminded of when they can shoot off fireworks, as well as taking in a fireworks show.

Jefferson City Administrator Scott Peterson says consumer fireworks are allowed by residents between 10am and 11pm today. The City Council approved the ordinance this past March to permit fireworks on July 3rd and 4th, along with December 31st, which coincidently, is similar to the new state law that was also passed by the Iowa Legislature and signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio what some of the main items to keep in mind when residents are lighting fireworks.

“The biggest thing is that you do need to shoot them off on your own property. So it needs to be on your property or if you’re on somebody else’s property, you need their permission to be there. You may not shoot them off in the street, you cannot shoot them off in city parks or other city-owned lands.”    

Peterson encourages everyone to keep their neighbors and pets in mind as well when shooting off fireworks to try and be as considerate as possible. He adds that there is also a free fireworks show later tonight at the Greene County Fairgrounds. Peterson acknowledges that this is a combined effort with the City and Wild Rose Casino and Resort supplying the funding for the fireworks and the Greene County Fair Board for hosting the event. The show will begin just after dusk.