Fireworks Safety

What You Need to Know About Using Fireworks in Unincorporated Linn County

  • The use of consumer fireworks is allowed in unincorporated Linn County only on the following dates/times: July 4 from 9 a.m.-11 p.m. and Dec. 31/Jan. 1 from 9 a.m.-12:30 a.m. 
  • Fireworks may only be used with property owner permission.
  • See Linn County’s fireworks resolution for a definition of consumer and display fireworks. The Linn County Board of Supervisors passed this resolution in 2019 in response to requests from rural residents.
  • The Board of Supervisors authorizes the use of display fireworks by permit only. Applications for display fireworks permits are available on the Linn County website LinnCountyIowa.gov. 
  • Fireworks may not be used on County property without an approved permit. 
  • Fireworks are not allowed in County parks.
  • The penalty for illegal use of fireworks is defined in Iowa Code Sections 727.2(3)(c)(1) and 727.2(2)(b)(1) as a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than two hundred fifty dollars.
  • The sale of consumer fireworks is regulated by the State of Iowa. 
  • Each city in Linn County has its own rules governing the use of consumer fireworks within its city limits. 
  • Please celebrate the Fourth of July and the new year safely and responsibly and respect your neighbors, families with young children and pets, veterans, and others sensitive to loud noises by not discharging fireworks illegally.

Fireworks Safety Tips

While fireworks are legal in some places on July 4, they are dangerous and can cause injury if they are not used properly. Be sure to follow these safety tips from the National Safety Council to celebrate safely:

  • Never allow young children to handle fireworks
  • Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
  • Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear
  • Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands
  • Never light them indoors
  • Only use them away from people, houses, and flammable material
  • Never point or throw fireworks at another person
  • Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
  • Never ignite devices in a container
  • Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks
  • Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding
  • Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire
  • Never use illegal fireworks

Pet Safety

More pets go missing on the Fourth of July than on any other day of the year. The American Veterinary Medical Association offers the following tips to keep your pets safe:

  • Leave your pet at home when you go to parties, fireworks displays, parades, and other gatherings. Loud fireworks, unfamiliar places, and crowds can all be very frightening to pets, and there's a great risk of pets becoming spooked and running away.
  • Make sure your pets – cats and dogs alike – have identification tags with up-to-date information. Take a current photo of your pet, just in case.
  • Consider putting your pet in a safe, escape-proof room or crate during parties and fireworks; leave gentle music playing to cover the noise.
  • Keep sparklers, glow sticks, and fireworks away from curious pets.
  • Check your yard for fireworks debris before allowing pets outside to play. Even if you didn't set off fireworks yourself, debris can make its way into your yard where curious animals may pick it up to play with or eat.
  • If your pet is missing or you find a lost pet and you are inside the Cedar Rapids city limits, please contact Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control at 319-286-5993 or the Cedar Valley Humane Society at 319-362-6288 if you are outside Cedar Rapids.