NCSO News

You can, however, use fireworks outside the city limits (out in the county), on private property. When using fireworks, on your private property, outside the city limits, please remember to read and follow all instructions and avoid lighting the fireworks near flammable items or in areas where there is dry grass or brush that could catch fire. Just a reminder, Nolan County is under a burn ban, which means conditions are right for grass/brush fires; we hope that you will consider using smaller, less incendiary fireworks as a result of the burn ban.

The following things are prohibited under the Texas Occupations Code Title 13, Subtitle D, Chapter 2154:

Sec. 2154.251.  PROHIBITED USE OF FIREWORKS.  (a)  A person may not:

(1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;

(2) sell at retail, explode, or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;

(3)  explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;

(4) ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;

(5) place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;

(6) conduct a public fireworks display that includes Fireworks 1.3G unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic operator;

(7) conduct a proximate display of fireworks that includes Fireworks 1.3G or Fireworks 1.4G as defined in NFPA 1126 Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics Before a Proximate Audience unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic special effects operator and has the approval of the local fire prevention officer; or

(8) sell, store, manufacture, distribute, or display fireworks except as provided by this chapter or rules adopted by the commissioner under this chapter.

(b) A person may not manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display without an appropriate license or permit. Fireworks manufactured, distributed, sold, or used without an appropriate license or permit are illegal fireworks.

In addition to extra patrols focused on intoxicated driving over the holiday, deputies will be prepared to enforce laws related to illegal fireworks, issue citations, and confiscate fireworks being used outside designated areas (on public property).

Each year deputies respond to complaints of Fourth of July gatherings that get out of hand due to intoxication and disturbing the peace. These complaints include physical injury, property damage, or neighborhood disturbances. If you are impaired in any way when you use fireworks, you increase the possibilities of misuse and injury to yourself and others. Citizens should consider that damage or injury caused by a careless act involving fireworks can bring significant civil liability.

If camping with family and friends, please remember to use extreme caution with your campfires and grills. Only light fires and grills in designated areas, never leave a fire or grill burning unattended, and always have plenty of water available. As you enjoy your Fourth of July celebrations, please remember to have a designated driver if you’ve been consuming alcohol – do not drink and drive.