EAST TEXAS, (KLTV) – America’s 250 celebrations will bring out the fireworks. But in many East Texas cities, there are ordinances in place prohibiting lighting fireworks in city limits and that $10 roman candle could end up costing 200 times that much.
A couple of times a year, some East Texas city residents get a free fireworks show just down the street. Longview Fire Marshal Marcus Delaney says those firing them off could be in for a bad evening.
“Doing so could result in fines up to $2,000,” Delaney said… “Per firework.”
It’s the same in Tyler and Nacogdoches. In Lufkin and Jacksonville, it could be a $500 fine.
Longview resident Jered Ochoa has seen and heard neighborhood fireworks.
“I don’t think it’s worth getting a fine to shoot them off in the city and potentially hurt someone,” Ochoa said.
Delaney says the reason for the ordinances is city density.
“People’s vehicles, homes, property and just a lot of people. So, we don’t want anybody getting hurt,” Delany said.
And the East Texas summer is upon us.
“Conditions are getting dry so folks even going outside the city limits discharging fireworks need to use caution,” Delaney said.
“You can catch a lot of stuff on fire. It’s been super hot, dry. I mean, it’s rained on and off, but you know, catch your yard on fire, catch somebody’s house,” Ochoa said.
“If you damage someone’s property, you’re liable for that damage as well,” Delaney said.
And celebratory gunfire? Well:
“You can face a lot more charges than just a fine,” Delaney said, like spending the holiday in jail.
Delaney says the reward is not worth the risk and encourages residents to take advantage of a city-sponsored fireworks show.
The Texas A&M Forest Service says although many parts of Texas have had above normal rainfall, there is still a wildfire risk. They advise using fireworks in open areas away from tall or dry grass, watching for embers and extinguishing used fireworks in water.
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