Fireworks soon to be legal in Iowa? -

Fireworks could soon be flying again in the skies of Iowa where there has been a long time ban in place. A debate over the private possession of fireworks in Iowa has been reignited in the state senate. Private possession of fireworks has been banned in Iowa since 1938, a direct result of the infamous Spencer Fire of 1931 that was ignited by a careless youngster at a store’s fireworks display, and destroyed most of Spencer’s downtown business district.

A bill to make it legal to sell and set off fireworks cleared a subcommittee this week, with the backing of Democratic Senator Bill Dotzler of Waterloo.

Dotzler envisions making it legal to set off fireworks from Christmas Eve through the 3rd of January and in late June and early July — for the Independence Day holiday.

The bill’s future is uncertain, however, as supporters have not agreed on the details, like exactly when it would be legal to SELL fireworks in Iowa. Opponents have killed similar efforts to legalize fireworks over the past several years. Senator Janet Petersen, a Democrat from Des Moines, says legalizing fireworks is unpopular in her district.