County bans restricted fireworks

With New Year’s eve celebrations on the horizon, the Travis County Commissioners Court has voted to approve an order banning the use or sale of restricted fireworks outside the city limits of any city or town in Travis County. The use or sale of any kind of fireworks is illegal in the city of Austin. The most dangerous types of fireworks included in the ban are called “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins.” Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway explained that the order was prompted by the ongoing drought in Central Texas and the increased risk of wildfires from fireworks. “We need to use all the tools available to us to ensure public safety,” he said. The order is in effect from Dec. 20 to Jan. 1, though it may expire sooner if rain comes during the December fireworks season.