March 29, 2024

Ready for fireworks?

Use of fireworks allowed in Colfax starting June 30

COLFAX — With Independence Day only a few weeks away, the City of Colfax is getting ready for people around town to light up the sky with fireworks starting June 30.

In November, Colfax City Council unanimously approved the third and final reading to its fireworks ordinance. Under this ordinance, residents are allowed to ignite consumer-grade fireworks on their property from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. from the Saturday before Independence Day — this year June 30 — to the Fourth of July holiday.

When Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad first legalized the sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks around the state during allotted times near Independence Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day in 2017, the City of Colfax originally adopted a “wait-and-see” approach. After last year’s loud Fourth of July festivities concluded, the city conducted a survey, and crafted and approved the current, more restrictive ordinance.

“Last Fourth of July, there were a lot of people firing off very loud ones, like the cannon type things, at 2 a.m. and later. That was making neighbors very unhappy who had to wake up early and go to work. It was being abused last year on many different days,” mayor David Mast said. “When we sent out the surveys, we found some that wanted absolutely nothing and some that wanted a lot. This was our compromise in the middle. If people abide by the times and not firing them off at 2, 3, 4 a.m., then this might be a workable solution.

The current provision of the ordinance also states people under the age of 18 will not be allowed to explode consumer fireworks without parental supervision, and fireworks cannot be used by people showing signs of intoxication or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.

People who violate the prohibitions can be fined a minimum of $250.

“We will be trying to enforce it, so there may be significant fines for the flagrant violators,” Mast said. “Hopefully with just a limited number of days, people can follow the timelines that are there and we can get the people who enjoy it and the people who don’t like it so much to not have to put up with it too much.”

Despite the complaints from last year’s Fourth of July festivities, no injuries or fires were reported from the use of fireworks during the Fourth of July festivities, according to city officials.

To help ensure this year’s Independence Day festivities run as smoothly as possible, Colfax’s first responders have been preparing their personnel for the firework activities.

On the fire department side, Colfax Fire Chief Brandon Bruxvoort said it will be business as usual. The chief said in case of a major incident, the crews will be fully staffed to handle the situation.

“At this point, we are just going to answer calls for service. Hopefully the newness has worn off from last year,” Colfax Fire Chief Brandon Bruxvoort said. “If we have things arise, we will just pick it up. We are not doing any extra staffing or anything any different on the fire end.”

The chief advises residents to take the following safety tips when handling fireworks.

• Keep kids at a safe distance when igniting fireworks

• Keep supervision of young people when fireworks are in the vicinity.

• Sparklers can burn up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit

• Don’t modify fireworks

• Use fireworks for their intended purpose

• Follow the instruction on the box

• Only use fireworks outside

• Keep a hose nearby in case of an accident

• Stay at safe distance when igniting

• Be respectful of others and their property

• Check with neighbors if they are OK with use of fireworks

• Keep an eye on the dry conditions

• Don’t shoot fireworks in the direction of trees and structures

• Firework remnants should be soaked in a bucket of water for 10 to 15 minutes before disposing

• Ignite from a stable, level location

• Don’t approach a dud firework

• Keep in mind times fireworks are permitted to use

• Use good common sense

As the current provision of the ordinance also allows the use of fireworks from 9 a.m. New Year’s Eve to 12:30 a.m. New Year’s Day, the mayor said the city did not experience any major issues during the past New Year’s celebration.

Whether you partake in launching off fireworks this Fourth July or stay indoors and watch a colorful display on your big screen TV, the city officials advise residents to have fun, be mindful of others and be safe.

“I enjoy the ones that go up in the air and make a visual display,” Mast said. “I will probably have some family and people together and do something ... use all the caution you can.”

Contact Anthony Victor Reyes at areyes@jaspercountytribune.com