As the 4th of July holiday approaches, Jefferson residents are reminded that consumer fireworks are illegal to shoot off within city limits.

Police Chief Mark Clouse talks about the consequences if an officer finds you shooting off any fireworks that make an “explosive” noise without a previously approved permit to do so by the city council.

“If you are approached by an officer and you’re firing off illegal fireworks more than likely the officer is going to take all of your fireworks from you. We know those are an expensive item. But you will also may be ticketed and face a fine in court.”  

As for temporary “pop-up” tents that sell what the city ordinance has deemed certain fireworks to be illegal, Clouse gives an explanation of why that is.

“You can go to any parts store in town, Motor Parts, Napa and you can buy the really neat window tint stuff and make them black, but you can’t have that in the state of Iowa. Just because it is sold doesn’t mean that it can be used. We want everyone, including our families, to enjoy the 4th of July and any holiday. We just want it to be safe and part of that process is to follow the ordinances that your city council has adopted.” 

Clouse adds only novelty fireworks such as sparklers and smoke bombs are legal for people use within city limits.