Iowa celebrating legal use of fireworks after 86-year ban

Two disastrous fires from sparklers in the 30s led to ban.

A little extra exuberance in Fourth of July celebrations in Iowa this year.

After decades banning most fireworks, things like Roman candles and bottle rockets are once again expected to spend plenty of time lighting up home July 4 celebrations.

“It’s kind of the American spirit, like, ‘We’re free, we want our fireworks!'” said Phil Kuhlenbeck of Iowa Fireworks Co. “It’s a historic thing.”

Retail fireworks have mostly been absent legally in the state for 86 years – since the late 30s – after two disastrous fires in northwest Iowa were started with sparklers.

“Most people my age and under grew up under, ‘No fireworks,’ and you got used to not having fireworks,” Kuhlenbeck said.

The new rules allow fireworks to  be used on private property from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. June 1 through July 8.

They also can be used from early December through January 3. Some local governments still have sales and use bans in place.

Nearly three hundred licensed stands have popped up around the state since they became legal earlier this year.