EAST TEXAS, (KLTV) – America\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cDoing so could result in fines up to $2,000,\u201d Delaney said… \u201cPer firework.\u201d<\/p>\n
It\u2019s the same in Tyler and Nacogdoches. In Lufkin and Jacksonville, it could be a $500 fine. <\/p>\n
Longview resident Jered Ochoa has seen and heard neighborhood fireworks.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t think it\u2019s worth getting a fine to shoot them off in the city and potentially hurt someone,\u201d Ochoa said.<\/p>\n
Delaney says the reason for the ordinances is city density.<\/p>\n
\u201cPeople\u2019s vehicles, homes, property and just a lot of people. So, we don\u2019t want anybody getting hurt,\u201d Delany said.<\/p>\n
And the East Texas summer is upon us.<\/p>\n
\u201cConditions are getting dry so folks even going outside the city limits discharging fireworks need to use caution,\u201d Delaney said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can catch a lot of stuff on fire. It\u2019s been super hot, dry. I mean, it\u2019s rained on and off, but you know, catch your yard on fire, catch somebody\u2019s house,\u201d Ochoa said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you damage someone\u2019s property, you\u2019re liable for that damage as well,\u201d Delaney said.<\/p>\n
And celebratory gunfire? Well:<\/p>\n
\u201cYou can face a lot more charges than just a fine,\u201d Delaney said, like spending the holiday in jail.<\/p>\n
Delaney says the reward is not worth the risk and encourages residents to take advantage of a city-sponsored fireworks show.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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