Swaledale bans fireworks

The Swaledale City Council voted unanimously to ban the use of fireworks within the city during a special meeting held on June 6.

State legislation that passed earlier this year legalized both the sale and use of fireworks in Iowa during specific times, with certain parameters, and cities and counties were given the authority to customize local ordinances about firework use. Previously, Swaledale allowed the use of fireworks only after residents requested and were granted permits through the city council. There were also insurance and safety requirements that needed to be met before shooting them off. Swaledale Mayor John Drury acknowledged that the city infrequently had residents seeking firework permits, however, he expected that numbers would have increased in reaction to the new state law. So to ensure public safety and prevent nuisance noise throughout the city, the council passed a new ordinance banning first class consumer firework use entirely. The first class consumer firework category includes firecrackers and Roman candles.

Read the full article in the June 22 edition of the papers.