Fireworks are a tradition to many; Big Tex Fireworks stand operator André Nevins said.
“People like fireworks because they bring them together,” Nevins said. “It brings entertainment. It’s more appealing too, because you have the explosions with the effects, so you’re using more than one sense when you’re dealing with fireworks.”
Although fireworks can offer excitement, they are still illegal inside the city limits.
Adopted in 1998, a city ordinance prevents residents from buying, selling or shooting fireworks inside of Taylor. Violators of the ordinance can expect to face up to a $500 fine.
The city takes the firework ban seriously because it believes firework accidents are preventable. The law is issued for general safety and fire prevention purposes. Given the fact that many fireworks are aerial based, fireworks launched on a resident’s private property can end up in a different place entirely.
Big Tex Fireworks has a stand off of N Main Street near H-E-B. Photos by Hunter Dworaczyk
Nevins and Rudy Lucero have been able to run the stand for about a week now that New Year’s Eve is approaching. The holiday that is largely associated with shooting fireworks to celebrate the start of the new year.
The duo said they have sold about $3,000 worth of fireworks since opening and expect business to pick up as the holiday comes closer.
As for safety, Big Tex owns a sign that tells its customers that popping fireworks inside of city limits is against the law.
Lucero said he thinks fireworks are more popular in smaller communities than big cities since it’s easier to get away from city limits.
“When we were younger, that’s what we always did,” he said. “Everyone would go to grandpa’s house and buy fireworks. We’d come over and all pop them there.”
The Williamson County Fire Marshal’s office sent out a press release reminding residents that fireworks are illegal within city limits, even during New Years celebrations.
Fireworks are also prohibited 5,000 feet outside of city limits across the county to comply with state law. An interactive county map with the fireworks-free buffer zone area is available at Williamson County’s website.
While fireworks are still allowed in parts of unincorporated Williamson County, the county said fireworks can be dangerous when not used properly, causing serious burns and eye injuries.
County officials offered safety tips for those planning to celebrate the beginning of 2024 in a press release. The press release had safety tips for what to do before shooting a firework, what to do while shooting a firework and how to keep pets safe.
Tips for before residents shoot fireworks include not letting children buy fireworks without adult supervision, only buying from reliable sellers, reading all labels, storing them in a cool, dry place and always having water handy in case of a malfunction.
Tips for when residents are ready to shoot include not allowing children to play with the fireworks, being considerate of neighbors, lighting only one firework at a time and never relighting a firework that did not fully function.
Residents should dispose of the fireworks by wetting them down and placing them in a metal trash can away from any building or combustible materials until the next day, the press release said.
In addition, the Williamson County Regional Animal Shelter cautions that some pets can become frightened at the loud sound of fireworks.
Tips for helping the animals with anxiety include keeping them inside, turning on music or the TV, giving them a calming toy or hiding spot and checking with a veterinarian for medication if anxiety is severe.
