Thinking of lighting up fireworks on the Fourth of July? Here’s what you can do in Texas
There are limited days in Texas when fireworks can be sold and the Fourth of July holiday is one of those times.
Permitted retailers may sell fireworks from June 24 until July 4, according to the Texas Department of Insurance. While North Texans can buy fireworks from stands, the projectiles can’t be shot off just anywhere.
Here’s what to know about fireworks this Independence Day weekend.
What fireworks are illegal
In Texas the common 1.4G fireworks are permissible to be sold on designated days throughout the year.
Retail fireworks selling season dates are typically around holidays such as Fourth of July, Christmas, New Year’s and Texas Independence Day.
Illegal fireworks include sky rockets, or bottle rockets, with a propellant charge of less than four grams, an outside diameter casing size of less than five-eighths of an inch and an overall length, including stick, of less than 15 inches.
Pop rockets with a less than five-inch propellant casing length, an exterior diameter less than three-fourths of an inch and an overall total rocket length less than 26 inches are also not permissible, according to the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Where can you light up fireworks
Fireworks can’t be shot off just anywhere in town.
Igniting personal fireworks are restricted to unincorporated parts of Tarrant County, as long as its your property or you received permission from the property owner.
Other limitations by the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office include:
Exploding or igniting fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, a licensed child care center or schools unless they receive written authorization from that organization.
Exploding or igniting fireworks within 100 feet of where flammable liquids or compressed gasses are stored and dispensed.
Exploding or igniting fireworks within 100 feet of where fireworks are stored or sold.
Igniting or discharging fireworks within or from a motor vehicle.
Igniting or placing ignited fireworks in a motor vehicle or throwing fireworks at a motor vehicle.
If property damage that exceeds $200 occurs because of a violation of the limitations or the incident results in bodily injury or death, the offense is classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Reporting illegal fireworks
Both Fort Worth and Arlington have ways to report illegal fireworks activity.
Fort Worth residents are asked to call 817-392-4444 or report through the MyFW app using the red banner at the bottom of a smartphone screen. Reports can also be made at reportfireworks.fortworthtexas.gov.
Arlington residents are asked to report illegal firework activity at arlingtontx.gov/reportfireworks or using the Ask Arlington app on a smartphone.
How to dispose of fireworks
If you have fireworks to dispose, do not place them in garbage or recycling bins and do not take them to environmental collection centers or solid waste drop-off stations.
For Fort Worth residents, contact the Fort Worth Fire Department at 817-392-6850 or FWFire@fortworthtexas.gov to schedule a drop off or arrange a pick up to dispose of fireworks.
Arlington residents should contact the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-5539 or www.arlingtontx.gov to schedule a drop off or arrange a pick up for fireworks disposal.
Check with your municipal fire department for information on how to dispose of fireworks.
When can I buy fireworks in Texas?
For Independence Day weekend, you can buy fireworks from June 24 to midnight on July 4.
Other buying periods:
New Year’s, beginning December 20 and ending at midnight on January 1 of the following year;
Cinco De Mayo, beginning May 1 and ending at midnight on May 5 if the fireworks are sold at a location that is not more than 100 miles from the Texas-Mexico border and the county commissioners court has approved the sale of fireworks during the period.
Each county commissioners court can also permit firework sales for:
Texas Independence Day, beginning February 25 and ending at midnight on March 2;
San Jacinto Day, beginning April 16 and ending at midnight on April 21; and
Memorial Day, beginning the Wednesday before the last Monday in May and ending at midnight on the last Monday in May.
For more information on when you can buy fireworks, contact Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.
Is there an age requirement for buying fireworks in Texas?
You have to be at least 16 years old to buy fireworks in Texas.
How can I prepare my own fireworks display?
Fireworks classified as 1.3G require a public display permit whether used for public or private displays. You need to be at least 21 years old to be issued a public fireworks display permit.
If you plan to host a Fourth of July fireworks display that requires a permit on or before July 5:
All payments and paper applications mailed to the State Fire Marshal’s office must be received no later than Friday, June 24.
Send paper copies of your Permit Application for Class B Fireworks to the State Fire Marshal’s Office, PO Box 12107, Austin, TX 78711.
All fireworks display applications submitted by email must be sent to FMLicensing@tdi.texas.gov by 5 p.m. Thursday, June 30. Money must already be in escrow for any emailed applications received after June 24.
You’ll need to pay an additional permit fee and submit an updated signed certification from your local authority having jurisdiction if you:
Change the date of the display.
Add a rain date after the show date.
Change or add a firing location.
For more information, email FMLicensing@tdi.texas.gov or call 512-676-6800 and select option 5, then option 1.
How do I know if I’m going to an authorized fireworks seller?
Texas has state regulations related to manufacturing, storing and transportation of fireworks.
An annual retail fireworks permit is required for each retail location. Retail permittees may purchase fireworks only from a distributor, manufacturer or wholesaler licensed by the state. Those annual licenses are distributed by the State Fire Marshal, after an exam. A person must be 18 years or older to get a license to be a distributor, manufacturer or wholesaler, and 21 or older to get a pyrotechnic operator’s license.
If you hire someone to put on a display for your group, make sure they have a Texas pyrotechnic operator’s license.
To find out if someone has a Texas license, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at 800-578-4677 or Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov. You can also search the company or individual on the online database from the Texas Department of Insurance.
How are fireworks tested for safety?
In Texas, inspections are conducted for fireworks retailers, including both stands and indoor shops, as well as for public fireworks displays.
In Tarrant County, the Fire Marshal’s Office conducts fire and life safety inspections on all fireworks stands and stores in the unincorporated areas of Tarrant County using the Texas Occupation Code, Chapter 2154. And any fireworks display and show launch sites must also be inspected.
Tips for fireworks buyers
The Texas Department of Insurance has issued the following tips for fireworks buyers:
Always buy fireworks from an established retail outlet.
Always read and follow label directions.
Always have an adult present.
Only ignite fireworks outdoors in cleared areas away from houses, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
Keep water handy for fires and emergencies.
Never experiment or attempt to make homemade fireworks.
Light only one firework at a time.
Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water and throw away.
Never give fireworks to small children.
Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
Never throw fireworks at another person.
Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
Wear eye protection when shooting fireworks.
After shooting them, soak fireworks in water before putting them in the trash.
