The Fourth of July is approaching and there are a multitude of locations around central Iowa for people to exercise their right to purchase fireworks.

However, local law enforcement emphasizes that there are still restrictions on when and where they can be discharged. Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn points out that Perry is one of the few towns that allow fireworks use within city limits, but only within an allotted time. Perry’s fireworks ordinance dictates that the explosives can only be discharged between 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. on July 4th, and can only be used on a person’s private property or a property they have permission to be on.

Vaughn says one place in particular that fireworks are completely banned from are public parks. He says a multitude of issues can arise if someone shoots fireworks in public places, especially crowded ones like Pattee Park during the July 4th Celebration. “(The) problem we have within the parks is there’s just so many people there, there’s just that opportunity that an errant firework may go off and hurt someone. Especially a child or come close to that. And when that usually happens, if someone doesn’t get hurt, it usually kind of sparks some confrontations that we want to avoid too.”

Vaughn says anyone who is found in violation of the fireworks ordinance will be assessed a $250 fine. He adds, enforcement of the law can be difficult at times, so he encourages the public to contact the Police Department if they see anyone unlawfully shooting fireworks. To hear more from Vaughn, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.