The Fourth of July holiday is approaching, and the sale of fireworks in Iowa has once again resumed. However, the City of Perry reminds residents of their fireworks ordinance.

Perry Police Chief Eric Vaughn says the only time people are allowed to discharge fireworks within city limits is from 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. on July 4th. On that day, they’re only allowed to be used in the backyard of a person’s property, and must be 30 feet away from any neighboring structure. Fireworks are not allowed in any public area or right-of-way, including all city parks and parking lots. They are also not permitted to be discharged within 200 feet of Dallas County Hospital or any elder care facility.

Vaughn notes that anyone in violation of the ordinance can be fined or arrested, and encourages anyone who witnesses illegal fireworks use to contact the police department. “Actually it’s a simple misdemeanor, it’s punishable by a minimum of $250 fine, (and) the fine could go up almost to $1,000 with a simple misdemeanor. But yeah, give us a call, we’ll come out and usually speak to that person. And then if necessary we will file a charge against them and they’ll be fined in that way.”

Vaughn reminds residents that tips can be made anonymously, in order to protect whistleblowers from potential retaliation from their neighbors. To learn more about this and other Perry Police Department topics, click the link below to listen to the recent Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program with Vaughn.

https://www.raccoonvalleyradio.com/2020/06/17/lets-talk-dallas-county-6-17-2020-eric-vaughn/