There will be fireworks in the sky over Williamson County this weekend, but most residents are not allowed to launch the pyrotechnics themselves.
Local cities’ and county officials have each issued statements on what restrictions are in place regarding fireworks as the Fourth of July approaches.
Williamson County
Due to the drought conditions and current burn ban in effect in Williamson County, County Judge Bill Gravell and the fireworks industry have reportedly worked together to limit the sale of two types of fireworks products this holiday season. Stick rockets and missiles with fins or rudders will not be sold.
“Williamson County is urging everyone to use extreme caution this Independence Day so that everyone has a safe holiday,” said Gravell. “To that end, we have worked in collaboration with the Texas Pyrotechnics Association and American Fireworks, Williamson County’s largest retailer, to enhance fire safety through this decision to voluntarily not sell stick rockets and missiles with fins or rudders. These products pose the greatest risk of fire danger.”
“For the 50 plus years I have been in the fireworks business, Williamson County has been very good to me. It is important for us to do the right thing now.” said Chester Davis, Texas Pyrotechnics Association president and American Fireworks owner. “We urge everyone in Williamson County to celebrate Independence Day safely and responsibly.”
Taylor
Taylor fire and police departments remind Taylor residents that according to City Ordinance 98-19, it is illegal to be in possession of, shoot off or sell fireworks inside the city limits. The ordinance has been in effect since 1998.
Police Chief Henry Fluck said that the police department will have additional officers out on the Fourth of July focusing on fireworks enforcement.
“Fireworks are still against the law in Taylor,” said Fluck, “and we will immediately issue a citation and confiscate any fireworks found in a person’s possession.”
Violations can also result in a fine not to exceed $500 for each offense. Residents can report anyone using fireworks to the Taylor Police Department by calling 512-352-5551 and hit zero to go to dispatch.
The Taylor Fire Department is stressing that in addition to being illegal, fireworks are also incredibly unsafe due to the current dry conditions in our area.
“Fireworks start more than 19,000 fires each year, and cause more than 9,000 people to go to the emergency room for fireworks related injuries,” said Fire Chief Daniel Baum. “We really want to ensure that everyone has a safe holiday, and we urge residents to please refrain from using fireworks this year.”
The Taylor departments encourage leaving the fireworks to the professionals. The city does allow for permitted, professional fireworks displays and all residents are encouraged to attend the American Legion Graham D. Luhn Post’s free fireworks show, which will begin at dusk on July 4 in Murphy Park.
For more information about Taylor’s fireworks ordinance, visit http:// www.taylortx.gov.
Granger
Fireworks are not permitted within Granger’s city limits since the City Council adopted International Fire Code several years ago. The Granger Police Department stated that patrols will be throughout the city July 4 looking for violations and issuing citations if necessary.
Thrall
The city of Thrall has an ordinance dated and numbered 04282011 that prohibits the storage, sale and use of explosives within the city limits. There is a penalty of $500 for each offense.
"A quick reminder from last weekend, a single spark burned several acres on the south side of the city which threatened structures and property," said the Thrall Police Department on its Facebook page July 1. "Fireworks are prohibited inside the city limits of Thrall and aerial fireworks such as bottle rockets and those with fins are prohibited county wide. Anybody caught using fireworks inside the city faces the loss of those fireworks as well as a visit to our local judge. With drought conditions what they are, please refrain from using fireworks; and if you do, please plan accordingly and have some kind of fire suppression available. Fireworks may be used in the unincorporated areas of the county. If you use fireworks in unincorporated areas, please clean up afterward."
Other cities
Most jurisdictions have city ordinances prohibiting the use of fireworks within or near the city limits. An interactive county map with the fireworks free buffer zone area is available at https://gis.wilco.org/ maps/?viewer= countymap. Fireworks sales begin on Friday, June 24.
