Caution urged in using fireworks to celebrate New Year

[City of Muscatine]

 The use of consumer fireworks in the celebration of the New Year is limited in the City of Muscatine to 9 a.m. on Saturday, December 31, 2022, to 12:30 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2023. Only the use of first and second class fireworks is permitted during this time period.

The City of Muscatine encourages residents to be good neighbors. Please be considerate to any neighbors who may have a sensitivity to fireworks noise, be mindful of pets who may become frightened by the firework explosions, and be mindful of the property lines of others who may not want fireworks on their real property.

Consumer fireworks may only be used on a residents’ personal property or on the property of a person who has consented to the use of consumer fireworks on his/her property. Fireworks are prohibited on public property including city streets, public parking lots, parks, etc. Persons 17-years-old and under are not permitted to discharge fireworks except under direct adult supervision.

Using fireworks outside the designated dates and times listed below is considered a violation and can result in fines of no less than $250 per violation. Anyone discharging fireworks or allowing the discharge of fireworks on their property assumes responsibility for that discharge and the consequences, if warranted.

To report illegal use of fireworks, call the non-emergency line at the Muscatine Police Department (563-263-9922).

Report any fires in buildings, vehicles, or greenspaces by calling 911 immediately!

More information can be found on the City of Muscatine Firework Safety page.

Highlights from the Muscatine City Code:

  • Current Muscatine City Code sets the time for the legal discharge of consumer fireworks during the New Year’s Day holiday between 9 a.m. on December 31 and 12:30 a.m. on January 1 on real property that they own or on property where consent has been given by the property owner.
  • Persons 17 years or younger are not permitted to discharge fireworks except under the supervision of an adult who is within sight and sound of the minor(s) as they discharge fireworks. 
  • It is a violation of City Code for any parent, guardian, or other adult having custody of a minor to allow the minor to discharge fireworks without direct supervision by the parent, guardian, or other adult having custody.
  • Any person discharging a fireworks device or any person permitting the discharge of a fireworks device on their property assumes the responsibility for and the potential consequences from the discharging of fireworks.
  • It is a violation of City Code to discharge fireworks in a reckless manner or a manner that is likely to cause death, injury, fire, or property damage, and to discharge fireworks while showing visible signs of, or determined to be, intoxicated or under the influence of a drug or narcotic.
  • It is against City Code to alter, remove, or discharge components of a fireworks device from its intended method of discharging.
  • Snakes, sparklers, or caps can be discharged in a public place unless specifically prohibited by the owner of the public space, and as long as all trash, wrappers, and wires are properly disposed of.
  • Sky lantern open flame devices are not permitted unless the device is tethered by a retrievable rope that provides the individual control over the sky lantern.