What are fireworks?
Any composition or device for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, deflagration, or detonation, and that meets the definition of Consumer Fireworks or Display Fireworks as set forth in NFPA 1123.
Legal Novelty Fireworks
In the City of Marshalltown, the only legal novelty fireworks are Sparklers, Caps, and Snakes. All other fireworks are prohibited from being discharged in the City limits. Violation of the fireworks ban is punishable by a fine of up to $855 (City Code 130.018 – Fireworks) All other fireworks require a permit that must be applied for through the City of Marshalltown (24 North Center Street).
City Code 130.018 – Fireworks
(A) The use of consumer fireworks and display fireworks within the city is prohibited, except as provided herein.
(B) The City Council may, upon application in writing, grant a permit for display of fireworks when the Council is satisfied that the display of fireworks will be handled by a competent operator with appropriate safeguards.
(C) It shall also be unlawful for any property owner, or any person in possession of a property, to knowingly permit the use of consumer fireworks or display fireworks on the owner’s property within city limits in violation of this section.
(D) (1) A violation of § 130.018 of this chapter shall be a simple misdemeanor punishable by a fine of not less than $250. (2) Any person violating the provision of § 130.018(C) of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be punished by a penalty as provided in § 10.999(A) of this code of ordinances.
Fireworks Fire and Injury Facts
Deaths and Injuries
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) received reports of 9 non-occupational, fireworks-related deaths during 2021. Six of the deaths were associated with firework misuse; one death was associated with a mortar launch malfunction; and two incidents were associated with unknown circumstances.
- Fireworks were involved with an estimated 11,500 injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during calendar year 2021; over half of those injuries were to the extremities and 35% were to the eye or other parts of the head.
- Children younger than 15 years of age accounted for almost one-quarter (23%) of the estimated 2021 injuries. These injury estimates were obtained or derived from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s 2021 Fireworks Annual Report.
- There is a statistically significant trend in estimated emergency department-treated, fireworks-related injuries from 2006 through 2021. This trend estimates an increase of 274 fireworks injuries per year.
- An estimated 8,500 fireworks-related injuries (or 74 percent of the total estimated fireworks-related injuries in 2021) were treated in U.S. hospital emergency departments during the 1-month special study period between June 18, 2021, and July 18, 2021.
- Fireworks started an estimated 12,264 fires in 2021, including 2,082 structure fires, 316 vehicle fires, and 9,866 outside and other fires. These fires caused 29 civilian injuries and $59 million in direct property damage. There were no reported fire deaths.
https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/2021-Fireworks-Annual-Report.pdf
https://www.nfpa.org/Public-Education/Fire-causes-and-risks/Seasonal-fire-causes/Fireworks
Prevention
- Never leave children unattended.
- Never allow children to play with fireworks.
- Read and follow all fireworks warnings and instructions.
- Have a bucket of water nearby to place the sparklers into.
- Watch all clothing.
- Leave the big fireworks to professionals.
Discharge of fireworks is strictly prohibited within Marshalltown city limits.
AUTHORITY: Captain Christopher Jones (cjones@marshalltown-ia.gov or 641.754.5758)