Let’s Talk About Fireworks in North Liberty
Each year, fireworks start tens of thousands of fires, causing deaths, injuries and millions in direct property damage. In recent years, North Liberty emergency responders dealt with fires and injuries caused by illegal fireworks in town. In addition to damage, the loud explosions can be scary to pets, unsettling to veterans and disruptive to kids.
Despite changes in state law, the use of consumer fireworks in North Liberty is prohibited on public property, including streets, parks, sidewalks and trails, year round.
The local sale of fireworks, which is allowed as required by state law, can lead to confusion because cities still set local rules for the use of consumer fireworks, and the North Liberty City Council has declined to legalize their use within city limits except as required by state law, so consumer fireworks are prohibited everywhere with the exception of July 3, July 4 and Dec. 31 and always on public property. Novelty fireworks, including sparklers and similar items, remain legal to use. Every year, North Liberty and other jurisdictions receive complaints from residents about their neighbors using fireworks. The most effective deterrent is residents talking to their neighbors who are using fireworks. Additionally, reports can also be made to countywide dispatch at (319) 356-6800. Those who use fireworks without permits can face hundreds of dollars in fines.
North Liberty will host a licensed and insured professional display on July 3 at Penn Meadows Park as part of the City Slate of events.
Local professional displays include:
- 4th Fest at S.T. Morrison Park in Coralville on July 4 at 9:45 p.m.
- Freedom Festival in downtown Cedar Rapids on July 4 at dark.
- Iowa City Jazz Festival in downtown Iowa City on July 5 at 9:30 p.m.
Information about permits for the use or sale of fireworks is available from the North Liberty Fire Department.
