Where and when fireworks will be legal in Texas in 2023
(KAMR) — Weeks of wet weather leave Texas in a much-improved drought situation compared to this time last yearMany are starting to see fireworks on the Fourth of July weekend in 2023.
But even outside of areas where the effects of drought are still severe, Texas’ relationship with fireworks isn’t as simple as ensuring a local fire ban before launching sparklers.
according to Texas County Association and the Texas Department of InsuranceHere’s what you need to know about fireworks that are legal in Texas, when you can buy them, and how to find out where they’re available in your area.
What kind of fireworks are allowed in Texas?
Most fireworks listed here are Formerly known as “Class C” explosives and now known as “Fireworks 1.4G” explosives are permitted in Texas. These include fireworks such as:
- A cap for a toy pistol.
- A “generic” miniature firework that has an audible or visual effect but does not throw off debris.
- Roman candles shall not exceed 10 balls in a tube, have a tube diameter of 3/8 inch or less, and weigh not more than 20 grams per ball.
- A “helicopter” rocket has an inner tube diameter of 1/2 inch or less and weighs 20 grams or less.
- Cylindrical or conical fountain.
- Each wheel does not weigh more than 240 grams.
- Sparklers and sticks.
- Firecrackers no longer than 1.5 inches long or 1/4 inch in diameter.and
- Toy smoke generators or toy propulsion devices that do not generate external fire.
fireworks no Here’s what’s allowed in Texas:
- Sky rocket or “bottle rocket”.
- Total propellant charge less than 4 grams.
- Casing size less than 5/8″ OD and less than 3.5″ long.and
- Total length including stick is less than 15 inches.and
- No other fireworks are permitted According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What days are fireworks legal in Texas?
Like many diseases in the Lone Star state, from allergies to bluebonnets to butterflies, fireworks in Texas have seasons. The exact days vary, but Texas allows him to sell fireworks six times a year. The District Commissioner’s Court may restrict the sale of fireworks around Independence Day and in December on the grounds of drought, and may also restrict the sale of fireworks at any other time of the year for any reason, provided that certain deadline must be met.
Here are the 2023 “seasons” for fireworks sales in Texas, and the last dates the Commissioner’s Court can order fireworks regulations:
- Texas Independence Day – February 25th to March 2nd
- February 14 Regulatory Deadline
- San Jacinto Day – April 16th to April 21st
- March 31 regulatory deadline
- Cinco de Mayo – May 1st to May 5th
- April 24 regulatory deadline (counties within 160 miles of the Texas-Mexico border)
- Memorial Day – May 24th to May 29th
- May 14 Regulatory Deadline
- Independence Day – June 24th to July 4th
- June 14 regulatory deadline
- Holidays in December: December 20th to January 1st
- December 14 Regulatory Deadline
Because of these deadlines, even Texas counties that issue burning bans don’t necessarily restrict the sale or use of fireworks. Not only can Texans see which counties have a burn ban in place, Using weekly updated maps from the Texas A&M Forest Service, You can also check individual county websites to see if they have regulations in place for selling fireworks.
Where in Texas can fireworks be used?
Even though many roadside shops and county stalls are legal to sell and distribute fireworks year-round, where Texans can set off fireworks also depends on city and county ordinances and state regulations. .
State Laws Apply Anywhere in Texas restrict Fireworks are launched in certain areas such as:
- Use within 600 feet is prohibited without written permission from the organization.
- church
- hospital
- Asylum facility
- Licensed nursery school
- Schools – primary, secondary and tertiary institutions
- Within 100 feet of where flammable liquids or gases are stored and dispensed.
- Within 100 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold.
- in or out of the car.
- Fireworks displays containing “Class B” or “1.3G” fireworks (commonly used at large community shows) without the approval of a licensed pyrotechnician and local fire safety officer.and
- It is on the grounds of the United States Army Corps of Engineers and includes many parks and lakes such as Lake Meredith in the Texas Panhandle and Lake Ray Hubbard in North Texas.
Most Texas cities, including Amarillo, Dallas, El Paso, Waco, Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, have either banned fireworks entirely within their city limits or have specific local restrictions on the types allowed. However, in most counties it is legal to set off fireworks on private property with the permission of the owner of the unincorporated area.
“Can we set off the fireworks now?”
As a rule of thumb, Texans may consider several questions when determining whether fireworks are legal in their area, including:
- Do you live within city limits?
- If the answer is yes, it might be. Check the city’s website for at least not without some restrictions.
- Do you live in an unincorporated area of the county?
- If the answer is yes – you probably have your own property or permission from the property owner, but you should double check the county website. Even if you’re within 5,000 feet of a city boundary, things can change.
- What kind of fireworks are you using?
- If you’re using a “Class C” or “1.4G” fireworks and don’t have a large display, you’re probably fine.
- Installation of larger displays or use of “Class B” or “1.3G” fireworks requires permission from a licensed pyrotechnician and local fire department.
- Are you near any of the restricted areas listed above?
- If the answer is yes or no, the location is considered a restricted area unless you have written permission from a nearby organization.
All in all, Texas is still a vast collection of counties and communities with varying needs and regulations when it comes to many things, including fireworks. However, Texans can get together during the most revelry time of the year and not only observe their own specific local rules, Learn safe habits about fireworks and fire safety.
https://www.kxan.com/news/whats-legal-where-and-when-everything-you-need-to-know-about-fireworks-and-texas-in-2023/ Where and when fireworks will be legal in Texas in 2023