Consumer fireworks ARE PERMITTED within the city limits ONLY on July 3 from 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m. and on July 4 from 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m. 

Report a violation to Cedar Falls Public Safety by calling (319) 291-2515.

What is allowed?

• First and second-class consumer fireworks are allowed during the designated times and dates.
• The use of fireworks is only allowed on the user’s owned real property.
• Unless a permit has been obtained, they are not permitted on city-owned property, public sidewalks, right of ways, streets, parks, or parking lots.
• All consumer fireworks debris must be removed.
• The use of consumer fireworks that mimic display fireworks or rise to 150 decibels or 210 feet elevation is banned from use at all times within city limits unless the user has obtained a permit.
• Novelty fireworks including party poppers, snappers, toy smoke devices, snakes and glow worms, and wire sparklers are allowed year-round.

What happens if a violation occurs?

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable summer for all, the City of Cedar Falls will be conducting a zero-tolerance policy on violators.

Those who violate the fireworks ordinance with the use of fireworks outside of the designated time and dates or interfere with enforcement shall be guilty of a simple misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of not less than $250.00.

Know Your Fireworks

First-class consumer fireworks: (1) Aerial shell kits and reloadable tubes. (2) Chasers. (3) Helicopter and aerial spinners. (4) Firecrackers. (5) Mine and shell devices. (6) Missile-type rockets. (7) Roman candles. (8) Sky rockets and bottle rockets. (9) Multiple tube devices set forth under this definition that are manufactured in accordance with APA standard 87-1, section 3.5.

Second-class consumer fireworks: (1) Cone fountains. (2) Cylindrical fountains. (3) Flitter sparklers. (4) Ground and handheld sparkling devices, including multiple tube ground and handheld sparkling devices that are manufactured in accordance with APA standard 87-1, section 3.5. (5) Ground spinners. (6) Illuminating torches. (7) Toy smoke devices that are not classified as novelties pursuant to APA standard 87-1, section 3.2. (8) Wheels. (9) Wire or dipped sparklers that are not classified as novelties pursuant to APA standard 87-1, section 3.2.

Display fireworks: any explosive composition, or combination of explosive substances, or article prepared for the purpose of producing a visible or audible effect by combustion, explosion, deflagration or detonation, and includes fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or other device containing any explosive substance.

Fireworks Safety

Cedar Falls Fire Rescue reminds citizens to be safe when using fireworks. Have a water source nearby, avoid lighting them in dry grass, do not wear loose clothing around fireworks, and be aware of windy conditions. It is prohibited to direct fireworks in any direction other than the user’s owned real property or the real property where the owner has given prior consent. Never allow children to play or ignite fireworks and do not try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not been ignited fully. Light fireworks one at a time then move back quickly. Soak fireworks in water before throwing them in the trash. Always remember that fireworks are not toys, do not direct them or throw them at another person or pet, and always point them away from yourself. Ensure that all members of your family are educated in fireworks safety.

View the City of Cedar Falls fireworks ordinance at Ordinance 16-24.