Fireworks may be discharged on private property in the city limits on July 4th only from 4PM to 10:30 PM.
Larger fireworks displays are permitted by licensed operators with approval by the City.
The public is reminded that while fireworks are now legal in the state of Iowa, any discharging of fireworks in City Parks or on city grounds is illegal and is punishable by a fine up to $500.
You can sell fireworks in a permanent structure from June 1 through July 8 and December 10 through January 3. In a temporary structure (mainly a tent) the dates are June 13 through July 8.
No. Burning of trash, garbage, household or commercial solid waste, recyclable materials, plastics, furniture, tires, appliances, building materials and waste oil is unlawful in the City of Ottumwa. The penalty for violation is a civil citation.
Yes... but, if you choose to burn yard waste, be aware that State Fire Code requires outdoor fires must be under control and attended at all times. Adequate means that extinguishing must be readily available. Municipal code prohibits the burning of leaves or other debris in the street or on sidewalks.
Reward money is available through the Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office for anyone who has information that would lead to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for an arson crime. Anyone with information about any intentionally set fire can contact the Ottumwa Fire Department at 683-0667, extension 3, or the Iowa Arson Hotline at 1-800-532-1459. Callers may remain anonymous.
Yes. Call (641) 683-0666 or (641) 683-0667. If the Ottumwa Fire Department receives a complaint about smoke, we investigate the source and, if necessary, put out the fire. If we receive repeated complaints about a specific offender, a citation can be issued.
The National Fire Code addresses assembly occupancy main entrance egress width, sprinklers in certain assembly occupancies, and limitations on festival seating. They also require the presence of a trained crowd manager for every 250 people in all assembly occupancies. Training is available online through the State of Maryland.
Ottumwa’s ISO Rating was upgraded to a three in march 2017. The ISO rating is based on a formula that considers a community’s fire personnel and equipment, water supply and dispatching capabilities. It is used by the insurance industry to develop premium rates for residential and commercial businesses.
The KNOX-BOX® Rapid Entry System was specifically developed for fire departments. With a master key, we can gain access to commercial and residential properties. This system is now required for new commercial properties. More than 11,500 fire departments nationwide use Knox® key boxes. Learn more about the KNOX-BOX online.
In 96% of calls for service in Ottumwa, we arrive on the scene with personnel and equipment in 5 minutes or less.
As part of construction, it is often necessary to dig up part of your yard next to the street known as the right-of-way. Once the work is complete, the dirt will be backfilled, generally leveled, and grass seed will be sown. Many property owners take the time to rake and level the dirt and sow their choice of grass seed. In any case, the success of any seeding is lies in keeping grass seed bed moist to enhance germination and continuing to water lightly until new grass is two inches high. Please be aware, if you have trees or shrubs growing in the right-of-way, they may be removed as well. The City does not replace trees, shrubs or landscaping features removed from the right-of-way.
If you have a tree you are concerned about, please contact the City Engineering office at (641) 683-0680. Our office is typically open Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 3:30PM.
For potholes or any physical street concern contact our Public Works Department at 641-684-2180.
