Des Moines police outline July 3–4 fireworks rules; violations carry $200 fine

Sergeant Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department’s Public Affairs Office told residents that city rules allow fireworks on private property only during designated hours around Independence Day.

"On July 3rd between 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. and July 4th between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m., it is lawful for you to detonate fireworks in the city as long as you're on private property and you have the permission to the private property's owner," Parizek said.

The department emphasized that purchasing fireworks does not permit their use in public spaces. Parizek said fireworks are not allowed on city streets or in parks, citing repeated past incidents that have caused damage and required park closures for repair and cleanup. "That's one place where in past years we've seen um a significant amount of damage," he said, adding that the damage affected both city budgets and community use of park space.

Enforcement is limited unless officers witness a violation or a complaining witness is willing to go to court, Parizek said. Residents who witness illegal fireworks use should call the police non-emergency number at 515-283-4811 and, if possible, stick around to meet officers to support a complaint.

Parizek warned that violating the city ordinance outside the permitted hours can result in a $200 fine. "If we do get called to your house and we find that you have violated the ordinance, what you're facing is a $200 fine," he said.

He closed the briefing by urging residents to respect the law and their neighbors during America's 250th birthday and wishing the community a happy Independence Day.

The Des Moines Police Department provided this guidance as the city approaches the July 4 holiday; the department did not cite a specific ordinance number in the briefing.