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City reiterates fireworks rules and safety ahead of July 3–4
Summary
City staff reviewed Burlington code and state law governing consumer fireworks, restating allowed dates/hours, emphasizing private-property-only use, intoxication restrictions, and recommending use of approved public displays and the non-emergency reporting line for complaints.
City staff reviewed Burlington City Code section 51.12 and an Iowa statutory window for firework sales as council members sought clarity before the July 3–4 holiday.
The presenter summarized permitted consumer firework discharge in city limits: July 3 from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.; and on New Year’s Eve with an extended hour. The speaker reiterated that discharging fireworks outside the allowed hours remains a municipal infraction and that fireworks may be used only on private property with the owner's consent.
The presenter added safety advice: keep water handy for extinguished sparklers, never relight malfunctioning fireworks, and maintain safe distances. "We really recommend the local approved fireworks displays," the presenter said, and listed local events (Bees Community Field, the Golf Club, and the Symphonic Blast) and other regional displays.
Staff asked residents to use the city's non-emergency line (671-7001) to report neighborhood fireworks concerns and to reserve 911 for true emergencies. The fire department page on the city's website was identified as a resource with fireworks and open-burning rules; staff noted the page's dates will be updated for the coming holiday.
No council action was required during the work session; staff urged outreach and public reminders ahead of the holiday.
