Dallas County Unaffected as Drought and Wildfires Cause Fireworks Ban in Neighboring Counties

Celebrating the Fourth of July with fireworks is an American tradition, but fireworks are not welcome in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding cities, including Plano and Arlington. Possession and use of fireworks in the city of Dallas and up to 5,000 feet outside the city limits is illegal. Violators can face a citation, fines up to $2,000 and confiscation of the fireworks.

Private Property

Barring an explicit ban on fireworks, owners of unincorporated property can use legal fireworks and grant permission for others to use their property. Some firework stands offer an area, located a safe distance away from the merchandise cache, for customers to use fireworks legally. Alamo Fireworks on Highway 67 in Venus, south of Dallas features an adjacent lot for using fireworks.

Be careful not to assume a prohibited area, such as a public street, median, right-of-way or lake, is a safe haven simply because others are lighting fireworks there. Authorities usually patrol neighborhoods and hot spots, such as Lake Ray Hubbard, White Rock Lake and Mountain Creek Lake, during the Fourth of July weekend to stop the illegal use of fireworks.

Fireworks Ban

The Texas Disaster Act empowers county judges to ban the use of fireworks during a disaster for up to 60 hours, but the governor has the authority to extend the ban. Governor Rick Perry's office reports that more than 120 Texas counties have fireworks bans.

With Governor Perry's approval, Parker County Judge Mark Riley issued a fireworks ban for Parker County through 7 a.m. on July 5 due to an extreme wildfire threat. Judge Riley explained his motivation in a press release, saying, "This is not a decision I make lightly, but my first and foremost duty is to help protect life and property."

Violation of this order is a Class C Misdemeanor and could result in a fine of up to $500 plus court costs and the seizure of the fireworks.

Since triple-digit temperatures continue to dry out North Texas, check local city and county websites for updates.

Professional Fireworks Shows

In light of recent wildfires so uncontrollable Governor Perry asked for prayer, professional firework displays might be a better alternative than the novice approach. Professional shows operate under strict protocols with emergency personnel on site.

From Addison to Southlake, cities across North Texas are celebrating the Fourth of July all weekend with festivals and licensed fireworks displays.

Sources:
"Fireworks are a Violation in the City of Dallas," Dallas Police Department
"Use of Fireworks Banned Due to Extreme Wildfire Threat," City of Plano
"Gov. Perry Issues Proclamation for Days of Prayer for Rain in Texas," Office of the Governor