Law enforcement communications in Perry and Dallas County were dominated Saturday night by numerous callers reporting fireworks being used in violation of city and state ordinances.
According to the new state law, fireworks sales out of permanent structures started June 1 and run through July 8. Sales out of temporary structures started June 13.
The Perry City Council approved a new fireworks ordinance June 5 that allows residents to “discharge a consumer fireworks device” under certain conditions, one of which limits their use to July 4 between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m.
Violations of the city’s fireworks ordinance incur a $500 fine, so thrill seekers in town risk a hefty fine if caught exploding out of season.
In addition, the use of fireworks within the city limits of Perry:
- is limited to adults over the age of 18
- is prohibited “on any public street, public sidewalk, public park or cemetery.”
- is prohibited within 200 yards of a hospital or senior care facility.
- is prohibited “by persons over the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.”
In the unincorporated parts of Dallas County, the state law limiting usage applies: Fireworks can be set off between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from June 1 to July 8, with expanded hours on July 4 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. and also on the Saturday and Sunday before and after July 4.
Kerry Corrigan of Perry, manager of fireworks sales at the Bellino Fireworks tent at First Avenue and Iowa Highway 141 in Perry, said she will have no products in stock until next week, probably on Tuesday.
Bellino Fireworks is an Omaha, Neb., company, Corrigan said.
