Independence Day is often associated with fireworks, but the majority of them are illegal in the state of Iowa. Marion County Sheriff Ron Goemaat says each year the sheriff’s office receives phone calls around the 4th of July with complaints of residents discharging illegal fireworks. He says the deputies respond to these calls and confiscate the explosives and those using illegal fireworks are also subject to a citation. Goemaat says while he doesn’t believe there have been any fireworks injuries in the county in recent years the risk is always there and urges to residents to be very careful and make sure to keep them away from small children. Goemaat says it is important to obey the laws and drivers need to make sure they are keeping themselves, their passengers and other motorists safe.