NEW STATE LAW PERTAINING TO FIREWORKS - Effective July 1, 2025

A new state law prevents Iowa cities and counties from banning fireworks on July 3, July 4, and New Year's Eve.  Senate File 303  was approved by Governor Kim Reynolds on May 19, 2025.   The new law says, “A city council may by ordinance or resolution prohibit or limit the use of consumer fireworks, display fireworks, or novelties, as described in section 727.2, on any day other than July 3, July 4, and December 31 in accordance with section 727.2, subsection 4.”   This new state law supersedes the ordinance Storm Lake has in place limiting firework usage on July 3rd and 4th, and on December 31st.   City code will be updated soon to reflect the recent change in state law. 

Fireworks usage and safety

Consumer fireworks cannot be discharged on City property, such as parks, parking lots, sidewalks, streets or the right-of-way (including the grass between sidewalks and the curb).

As a reminder, the use of legal fireworks within Storm Lake city limits is allowed only on specific days. Exploding or discharging consumer fireworks on days or times outside the designated hours is punishable by a fine.  Pursuant to state law, a person shall not use, explode or discharge consumer fireworks on real property other than that person’s real property or on the real property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on that property. 

Residents may set off consumer fireworks during these times:

•   July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. 
•  9 a.m. on December 31 to 12:30 a.m. on January 1 for New Year's Eve  

Fireworks Tips

• Fireworks cause almost 19,000 injuries each year. Young people between the ages of 5-19 have a disproportionate number of injuries based on the population. Fireworks should only be used with proper adult supervision.
• Exercise courtesy for your neighbors. 
• Keep a garden hose or fire extinguisher nearby in case of problems.
• Keep a bucket of water in which to place used wire sparklers. Sparklers account for a quarter of all fireworks injury-related trips to emergency rooms. Sparklers burn at 1,200 degrees and can cause third degree burns in a fraction of a second.
• Enjoy the permitted Star Spangled Spectacular show, offered by an experienced crew for everyone's enjoyment. 
• Do not aim bottle rockets, roman candles and other fireworks which leave the ground, toward people, buildings or vehicles.
• Report any fires in buildings, vehicles or greenspaces by calling 911 immediately!