Under looming threat of fires, fireworks sales limited

Amid increasingly hot, dry conditions, the sale of fireworks will be limited for the upcoming July 4 holiday. The Texas Pyrotechnics Association has voluntarily agreed to halt the sale of fireworks that go up in the air or explode in Travis and Williamson counties. Both counties currently have burn bans in effect due to the drought, but have not yet banned fireworks. “I appreciate the Texas Pyrotechnics Association recognizing the elevated fire risk due to drought conditions and applaud their voluntary agreement to not sell stick rockets and missiles with fins or rudders in Travis County,” Travis County Judge Andy Brown said in a statement to the press. “I urge the public to be extra cautious while celebrating the Fourth of July holiday. With drought conditions only worsening, we must do everything we can to protect our community. Our fire marshal and his deputies will continue monitoring conditions and patrolling our county, ready to enforce any and all applicable laws.” Fireworks officially go on sale today, though not all fireworks are legal within city limits.

Editor’s Note: Andy Brown is on the board of the Capital of Texas Media Foundation, the parent nonprofit of the Austin Monitor.