If the current drought conditions hold up, it looks to be a hot, dry and perhaps quieter Fourth of July.

Montgomery, Harris and Waller counties each enacted burn bans last week in response to the lack of rain in the Houston area.

“The goal of these restrictions is to reduce the risks of property damage and injuries from wildfires,” said Jimmy Williams of the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office.

The measures ban the use of aerial fireworks, such as skyrockets, missiles and those that utilize a fin.

“Aerial fireworks are most difficult to control and more likely to land while still ignited,” Williams said.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued a county disaster declaration last week, banning the sale and use of all stick rockets and missiles with fins within Harris County through at least July 6.

With Harris County experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions for several weeks, Emmett said, the risk of wildfires and damage to residential and commercial property is “unacceptably high” and warrants the countywide ban on the specified fireworks.

The judge noted that many fireworks merchants already have agreed to a voluntary ban on the sale of the items, a move Emmett praised as responsible and civic-minded.

“Public safety is my top priority in this matter, and this declaration is absolutely necessary to ensure that Harris County residents remain as safe as possible in these weather conditions,” said Emmett. “While I applaud the voluntary sales ban to which many merchants have already agreed, this declaration extends that ban not just to sales, but also to the use and transportation of these particular fireworks by anyone other than a licensed pyrotechnics expert at a permitted event.”

Several local July 4th fireworks shows are still scheduled to take place, including in the City of Tomball, the City of Magnolia, Washington-on-the-Brazos, and the annual Woodlands Red, Hot and Blue festival.

The restrictions in Montgomery County do not limit the sale or use of most ground based aerial fireworks.

Last week, Montgomery County reported that the average Keetch Byram Drought Index (KBDI) was 595, while some areas in the county reach as high as 628.

“These conditions lead to an increased risk of wildfires due to the lack of moisture in ground cover fuels such as brush, pine straw and grasses,” Williams stated.

Emmett stressed that just because some fireworks are banned, families shouldn’t be able to enjoy the holiday.

"I strongly encourage residents of Harris County to enjoy the activities leading up to the Independence Day holiday, but to do it in such a way that protects themselves, their families and their neighbors," said Emmett.

Laws and ordinances vary within each county, with some jurisdictions and municipalities outlawing the use of all fireworks. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all related regulations before using fireworks of any kind.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed