Urbandale Police Warn of 'Zero Tolerance' on Illegal Fireworks

Urbandale residents will be ticketed for using illegal fireworks in the city, Urbandale police warned Tuesday.

"The Urbandale Police Department has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for the handling of illegal fireworks complaints," Urbandale Police public information officer Randy Peterson said.

About the only types of fireworks residents can ignite are what are typically called snakes, and sparklers, which are sold in Hy-Vee and other stores locally. Everything else — bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers to name a few — are illegal.

Police will issue tickets to violators, who will be required to appear in court, police said. Parents of children younger than 14 will be cited if compliance with the law is not followed.

Discharging illegal fireworks is a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine ranging from $65 to $625, according to the Iowa Code.

Would you call police if you heard your neighbors shooting off fireworks? Tell us why or why not in the comments section below. 

Last year Peterson said that from late June through July 4 the Urbandale department receives dozens of calls from residents complaining that neighbors are firing off illegal fireworks.

Police urge Urbandale residents to follow the law, save their money and watch the city-sanctioned July 4 fireworks show planned by the Fourth of July Committee. It will be held at Walker Johnston Park and should be visible from most parts of the city.