2007/2008 Fireworks Season

[editor]

Fireworks Sales Season begins December 20, 2007

The holiday fireworks sales season is ready to begin, and the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office is asking everyone to BE CAREFUL, and reconsider their use of fireworks this holiday season. Even though the greater Houston area has received significant rainfall recently, any carelessly used firework has the potential to start a fire or cause injury.

This office, in partnership with other area law enforcement agencies, reminds citizens that fireworks are not legal in most cities, and in certain unincorporated areas of the county. The public is urged to call 281-999-2200 to register any complaints about the sale or illegal use of fireworks this holiday season.

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Prohibited use of fireworks in unincorporated Harris County

It is legal to buy, possess, and use consumer fireworks 1.4G in the unincorporated areas of Harris County. However, there are some places you cannot use fireworks, even in the unincorporated county.

Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 2154: PROHIBITED USE OF FIREWORKS (Subchapter F)

Violation Code Offense. A person may not: 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; You must have the written permission with you at the site, and available for inspection by any peace officer or fire marshal. 2154.251 (a)(1) Class C, UNLESS the violation results in (1) $200 or more in property damage, OR (2) bodily injury or death. If so, it is a Class B.

Sell at retail, explode, or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed; 2154.251 (a)(2)

Explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold; 2154.251 (a)(3)

Ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle; 2154.251 (a)(4)

Place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;2154.251 (a)(5)

Use fireworks, pyrotechnics, or flame effects inside any building without a permit from the County Fire Marshal. 2154.253 ( Class A

A fire marshal, their deputies, or a peace officer may seize illegal fireworks. 2154.304(a)

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There may be additional local restrictions enforced by cities in and around Harris County. Officers will be issuing citations and seizing illegal fireworks.

For additional information, please contact the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office at 281-436-8000, or visit our website at www.hcfmo.net.

For City of Houston fireworks regulations, contact the HFD Life Safety Division at 713-865-7100, or visit their website at http://www.houstontx.gov/fire/news/070407.html.

FIREWORKS SAFETY TIPS

Fireworks and celebrations go together, especially during the holidays. But fireworks can be dangerous when used improperly, and can cause serious burns and eye injuries. That's why the Harris County Fire Marshal strongly recommends that you:

LEAVE FIREWORKS TO THE PROFESSIONALS!

If fireworks are legal where you live, and you decide to celebrate with fireworks, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

BEFORE YOU SHOOT:

. ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION

. Do NOT let your children buy fireworks unless you are with them

. Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers

. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place

. Find a smooth, flat surface -- away from the house and other buildings, or dry leaves and grass

. Be sure to have water handy in case of a malfunction or fire

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO SHOOT:

. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH OR IGNITE FIREWORKS

. Always read and follow label directions, warnings, and instructions

. Be considerate of your neighbors

. Only ignite fireworks outdoors, and away from houses and other buildings

. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks

. Light only one firework at a time

. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned

. Never give fireworks to small children, even sparklers can cause serious burns

. Never throw fireworks at another person, vehicle, or animal

. Never carry fireworks in your pocket

. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

. Dispose of spent fireworks properly

PLEASE, HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON !!

[TheNiche]

If fireworks are legal where you live, and you decide to celebrate with fireworks, be sure to follow these important safety tips:

BEFORE YOU SHOOT:

. ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION

. Do NOT let your children buy fireworks unless you are with them

. Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers

. Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place

. Find a smooth, flat surface -- away from the house and other buildings, or dry leaves and grass

. Be sure to have water handy in case of a malfunction or fire

WHEN YOU'RE READY TO SHOOT:

. NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH OR IGNITE FIREWORKS

. Always read and follow label directions, warnings, and instructions

. Be considerate of your neighbors

. Only ignite fireworks outdoors, and away from houses and other buildings

. Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks

. Light only one firework at a time

. Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned

. Never give fireworks to small children, even sparklers can cause serious burns

. Never throw fireworks at another person, vehicle, or animal

. Never carry fireworks in your pocket

. Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers

. Dispose of spent fireworks properly

PLEASE, HAVE A SAFE HOLIDAY SEASON !!

Wow, I don't think I followed nearly any of those safety precautions when I was a kid. Especially the bits about not making my own fireworks (I always kept a cache of FFF-grade Goex powder for that purpose), lighting only one at a time, or not shooting fireworks at people. In fact, I'd constructed shoulder-mounted PVC bottle rocket launchers for just that purpose. The bottle rocket wars were fun.

[Pumapayam]

Bumping up an old thread, but anyone can suggest a good way to locate seasonal firework stands around Houston?

Also, with the burn ban in effect, how does this effect the personal use of fireworks.

I am using these in Fort Bend County, not Harris.

[west20th]

Bumping up an old thread, but anyone can suggest a good way to locate seasonal firework stands around Houston?

Also, with the burn ban in effect, how does this effect the personal use of fireworks.

I am using these in Fort Bend County, not Harris.

Fireworks ban in Harris County until July 6.

http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&q=fi...esnum=842346721

Looks like Gov. Goodhair got Fort Bend.

http://www.fortbendnow.com/2009/06/26/38744

Edited July 1, 2009 by west20th