Parker County law enforcement warn of fireworks ban

PARKER COUNTY, Texas — The dry climate in Texas is having an affect on who shall be allowed to discharge fireworks at dwelling.  

There are critical considerations in some Texas counties that fireworks will result in brush fires. That hasn’t slowed down firework gross sales at distributors like Alamo Fireworks all through North Texas. Customers are stocking up with plans to gentle up the sky in some instances.

RELATED: Buying fireworks in North Texas? Here’s what’s (and is not) allowed and the place

Alamo Customer Ray Smith is affectionately often called Chop and he spent Friday afternoon shopping for all types of fireworks for his household, particularly his kids. He plans to rejoice Independence Day chopping it up with household and mates.

“We have a lot of family come out, a lot of family come out from California, from Texas,” stated Ray ‘Chop’ Smith. “I am from Arkansas, so we have people come out.”

All over Texas, Alamo is promoting each firework conceivable. In some instances, the merchandise they promote not solely include “how to use” directions but in addition warnings for security functions.

There are fireworks designed only for adults to discharge in addition to kid-friendly merchandise. Fireworks shall be an enormous half of Mike Harmon’s household gathering on July 4.

Mike Harmon stated, “Just family gathering, get time to spent with family, couldn’t get together without my kids who love to see fireworks, so I had to get stuff for them.”

But that is additionally the time of 12 months Parker County Fire Marshal Sean Hughes is on the sting of his seat. 

The very last thing he needs is for his workplace to have to research a hearth the place somebody will get injured or worse. Hughes is anxious about how dry the climate has been in Parker County making issues extra weak for wild brush fires. 

“In Parker County, we’re very, very dry,” stated Sean Hughes.

The dry climate combined with carelessness or somebody by chance igniting grass or brush has Parker County fireplace officers sounding the alarm. 

Fire Marshal Sean Hughes has been granted a county-wide Fireworks Ban from now by way of Sept. 6. That means no discharging fireworks at dwelling Hughes says as a result of of what can occur.

 “When fireworks are sent into the air, of course, there’s a trail of sparks,” stated Hughes. “There’s the display, and then there’s the aftereffects of the display and a lot of times, those carry sparks and embers, and they fall.”

Getting caught discharging fireworks in Parker County can land you a $1,000 high-quality and have your stash confiscated. But extra importantly, Hughes and his employees are extra involved about stopping accidents resulting from out-of-control fires began by fireworks.  

“Really, one of the last things that we consider is what started it as fire marshals,” stated Sean Hughes. “I’ve got 38 years in the fire service. Our first concern is safety, life safety, getting the incident stabilized, and then protecting additional property. But when we get these calls, the first thing that’s on our mind is where is it?”

Fireworks stand employees anticipate to be busy over the vacation weekend. While the restrictions are in impact in Parker County, Alamo clients come from throughout Texas to purchase fireworks. Discharge ban or no discharge ban many households have already got security plans in place. 

“The kids don’t set off any fireworks at all. We leave that to dad and the adults,” stated Mike Harmon. 

Smith stated, “We keep the buckets on deck and make sure it never catches on fire.”

Fire Marshal Sean Hughes confused their aim is to not problem citations to individuals for discharging fireworks or taking away their stash, however as an alternative to ensure that nobody finally ends up injured as a result of of flames ignited from a firework.  

Hughes additionally warned that anybody that causes a hearth or harm could be held liable, so avoiding the hazard altogether is finest. 

Anyone who witnesses fireworks being discharged in Parker County earlier than Sept. 6, 2022, can report it to the Fireworks Ban Violation Hot Line at 682-333-0002.