What are fireworks?
Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of Consumer Fireworks or Display Fireworks as set forth in NFPA 1123.
Legal Novelty Fireworks In the City of Marshalltown, the only legal novelty fireworks are Sparklers, Caps, and Snakes. All other fireworks are prohibited from being discharged in the City limits. Violation of the fireworks ban is punishable by a fine of up to $855 (City Code 130.018 – Fireworks)
City Code 130.018 – Fireworks
(A) The use of consumer fireworks and display of fireworks within the city is prohibited, except as provided herein.
(B) The City Council may, upon application in writing, grant a permit for the display of fireworks when the Council is satisfied that the display of fireworks will be handled by a competent operator with appropriate safeguards.
(C) It shall also be unlawful for any property owner, or any person in possession of a property, to knowingly permit the use of consumer fireworks or display fireworks on the owner’s property within city limits in violation of this section.
(D) (1) A violation of § 130.018 of this chapter shall be a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $250. (2) Any person violating the provision of § 130.018(C) of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a penalty as provided in § 10.999(A) of this code of ordinances.
Fireworks Fire and Injury Facts
Deaths and Injuries
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 11 non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths during 2022. Five of the deaths were associated with firework misuse, with victims ranging from 11 to 43 years of age.
- Fireworks were involved with an estimated 10,200 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2022; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for over one-quarter (28%) of the estimated 2022 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2022 Fireworks Annual Report.
- Fireworks start an estimated 19,500 fires per year. Fireworks | NFPA https://www.cpsc.gov/Safety-Education/Safety-Education-Centers/Fireworks
Prevention
- Never leave children unattended.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks.
- Read and follow all fireworks warnings and instructions.
- Have a bucket of water nearby to place the sparklers into.
- Watch all clothing.
- Leave the big fireworks to professionals.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
The discharge of fireworks is strictly prohibited within Marshalltown city limits.
AUTHORITY: Captain Christopher Jones (cjones@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5729)