Mason City, Clear Lake set to deal with new state law mandating fireworks use on July 3rd & 4th
MASON CITY — Mason City and Clear Lake are preparing to deal with people using fireworks after a new state law mandates that cities and counties will allow fireworks use on July 3rd and 4th. Mason City’s fireworks ordinance in the past has allowed fireworks use on the 3rd and 4th, but the state law mandates new hours.
Mayor Bill Schickel says fireworks used on any other date is against the law. “Fireworks are legal in Mason City from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM on July 3rd and 4th only. We do have a zero tolerance policy on enforcement. We will be writing citations, we already have written citations. We want everybody to celebrate, but we want everybody to be safe and respect their neighbors.”
Schickel says the new state law says fireworks use can only be done on your property. “On your private property. If you are doing it on someone else’s property, it has to be with permission. Private property only — not in the street, not on the sidewalk, not in the public parks, not anywhere near a hospital or nursing homes. We expect people to abide by that. If you do, we’re going to have a great Independence Day weekend.”
Clear Lake is impacted by the new law, as using fireworks had been banned from the community. Brandon Heinz with the Clear Lake Police Department says you still need to be safe when using fireworks. “Be safe, and if you’re unsure if you can do something, again refer to the state law, the city ordinance, or you can call us in Clear Lake at 641-357-2186.”
The new law also prevents cities and counties from banning and limiting the use of consumer-grade fireworks on December 31st.
