DES MOINES, Iowa — July 4th celebrations are just one week away, and the Des Moines Police Department is preparing for a new law that changes residential fireworks regulations.
Passed in May, the new law legalizes consumer-grade firework use within city limits on July 3 and 4, and December 31. Residents can light fireworks on private property between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. on July 3 and 9 a.m. and 11 p.m. on July 4.
Fireworks are still prohibited on city or public grounds, including parks and trails. The Des Moines Police Department says last year, a third of the city’s 77 parks reported damage following the holiday. Police and park staff are focusing resources there this year…