Cedar Rapids residents fuming over fireworks

CEDAR RAPIDS — The fledgling fireworks experiment in Cedar Rapids has already gotten “out of control,” some residents say.

The explosions go boom, boom, boom for hours, night after night, all across the city. It distresses pets, military veterans with PTSDs, wakes up young children and poses public safety risks, according to interviews and letters received by city officials.

“This bill has been a complete and utter disaster and an act of stupidity,” said Eric Wullner, 53, of Cedar Rapids. “Every night is the Fourth of July in my neighborhood and always beyond the times permitted by law.”

Earlier this year, the Iowa Legislature legalized sale and use of consumer-grade fireworks from June 1 through July 8 and from Dec. 10 through Jan. 3. While Cedar Rapids could have maintained its usage ban — although not banned sales — the City Council last month disregarded the recommendation of its public safety officials and voted to let the state law and dates prevail in part because of the difficulty of enforcement.

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