Know your city's fireworks ordinance to avoid a fine and possible headaches

Teresa Kay Albertson, Ames Tribune
Updated ·2 min read
Reports of a firework explosion caused nearly $1,000 in damage to a toilet at Emma McCarthy Lee Park June 22 in Ames.
Reports of a firework explosion caused nearly $1,000 in damage to a toilet at Emma McCarthy Lee Park June 22 in Ames.

Ames Parks and Recreation and Ames Police are investigating fireworks damage to a restroom at Emma McCarthy Lee Park, 3400 Ross Road, after an explosion on June 22 caused nearly $1,000 in damage and clean-up costs.

Though Iowa law mandates municipalities allow the sale of fireworks, the City of Ames prohibits the use of explosive fireworks within the city limits, established through a decades-old ordinance. Since the state legalized fireworks sales, Ames departments have regularly received complaints about the noise from exploding fireworks affecting pets and people. They've also fielded questions about debris and garbage left behind in addition to concerns about potential fires and property damage.

Anyone caught setting off the explosives will be fined $250 and is responsible for repair costs.

“Leaving fireworks to the professionals is the best way to enjoy the Fourth of July,” said Parks and Facilities Superintendent Joshua Thompson. “Ames Parks and Recreation staff will spend countless hours cleaning up debris left from illegally exploded fireworks in the parks this summer instead of focusing on park maintenance and improvement work.”

Illegal use of fireworks can be reported to the Ames Police Department by calling 515-239-5133.

In 2018, the Brookside Park restroom was heavily damaged when fireworks were thrown into a nearby trash can and the building was set ablaze. The restroom was gutted and rebuilt at a cost to taxpayers of $250,000. It reopened in 2021.

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If you don't know if you can explode fireworks where you live, the Ames Tribune has gathered a list of phone numbers to call and check on local ordinances:

  • Story County: application for fireworks display can be found on the county's website. Fireworks on Story County property or managed property is prohibited. 515-382-7200

  • Gilbert: 515-233-2670

  • Huxley: 515-597-2561

  • Nevada: 515-382-5466

  • Slater: 515-685-2531

  • Story City: 515-733-2121

  • Boone County: According to the Boone County website: Iowa Law does allow fireworks can be used on private property from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. June 1 through July 8 and again from December 10 through January 3. Many cities have set rules on when and where fireworks can be shot off or even prohibit them. Check with your city officials if you reside in the city limits.

  • Boone: 515-432-4211

  • Madrid: 515-795-3930

  • Ogden: 515-275-2917

Teresa Kay Albertson covers politics, crime, courts and local government in Ames and central Iowa for the Ames Tribune and Des Moines Register. Reach her on Twitter @TeresaAlberts11 and at talbertson@registermedia.com, 515-419-6098.

This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Many Story County towns have banned private use of fireworks