(Atlantic) – On June 17, 2020, the Atlantic City Council adopted an ordinance giving the council authority to set annual dates for fireworks use within city limits. However, that local control was partially revoked on May 19, 2025, when Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 303 into law. The new legislation prohibits cities and counties from restricting fireworks use on July 3, July 4, and December 31.
The amended law states that cities may only restrict or prohibit consumer fireworks, display fireworks, or novelties on days other than July 3, July 4, and December 31.
In response, Atlantic’s Community Protection Committee met in late May and agreed to align local policy with the new state law. They also recommended adding Saturday, July 5, as a permitted day for fireworks this year, citing its proximity to the holiday weekend. After Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue’s consultation with a fireworks professional and City Attorney David Wiederstein, the planning and zoning committee recommended allowing fireworks from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. on July 3, 4, and 5.
City Councilman Shawn Sarsfield, who described himself as pro-fireworks, noted that displays have become much larger in recent years. He urged residents planning bigger shows to talk to their neighbors beforehand as a courtesy.
Mayor Grace Garrett echoed safety concerns, reminding residents to be mindful of how close homes are to one another.
Councilman Jim Behrens added that in his neighborhood, fireworks were already being set off as early as Tuesday night.
The National Safety Council says every year, thousands of people are injured badly enough to require medical treatment after fireworks-related incidents, with many of the injuries to children and young adults. While the majority of these incidents are due to amateurs attempting to use professional-grade, homemade or other illegal fireworks or explosives, less powerful devices like small firecrackers and sparklers can also cause significant injuries. Additionally, fireworks start an average of 19,000 fires each year.
The National Safety Council ask people using legal fireworks to follow these safety tips:
- 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
