Ames, IA Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Sec. 17.6 of the Ames Municipal Code regulates both consumer and display fireworks. Consumer fireworks, defined by reference to the American Pyrotechnics Association's Standard 87-1 chapter 3 (aerial shells, firecrackers, Roman candles, bottle rockets and similar devices), are banned citywide except during three windows: July 3 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (extended to 11:00 p.m. if July 3 falls on a Saturday or Sunday), July 4 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., and from 9:00 a.m. on December 31 until 12:30 a.m. the next day.

Even during those windows, a person may only set off consumer fireworks on their own property or on property whose owner has consented, and fireworks are prohibited at all times on any City-owned or City-controlled property, including parks, streets, sidewalks, trails and rights-of-way. Display fireworks, the larger commercial-grade explosives, require a permit from the City Council, granted to a group or organization using a competent operator, and the permit holder must carry a $1,000,000 general liability policy naming the City as an additional insured, with $5,000,000 in excess coverage.

Temporary fireworks vendors must keep sales stands at least 25 feet from an existing building and must post a sign telling customers the three lawful use windows; violating the stand-distance or signage rules is a municipal infraction. Using or exploding fireworks outside the permitted windows or locations is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine under Sec. 17.6(7).