FIREWORKS … WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Per Section 8.5 of the Standards, unless a fire ban is in effect, fireworks are permitted outside the City Limits, but not on:

• Utility easements;
• Grassy and weeded areas;
• Military Drive West;
• Westcreek Oaks Drive;
• Westcreek View;
• Grosenbacher Road; and
• Any common properties within the Villages of Westcreek.

All trash/debris must be removed from the streets/lawns by 9:00 AM the following day .

CLICK HERE to view the Standards.

The Bexar County Fire Marshal’s website addresses additional rules as outlined below:

A person may not:

1. explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;
2. sell at retail, explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;
3. explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;
4. ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;
5. place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at, a motor vehicle;
6. sell, store, manufacture, distribute, or display fireworks except as provided by the rules adopted by the commissioner; or
7. manufacture, distribute, sell, or use fireworks in a public fireworks display or for agricultural, industrial, or wildlife control purposes without an appropriate license or permit. Fireworks manufactured, distributed, sold, or used without an appropriate license or permit are illegal fireworks.

Penalties:

• A violation of a, b, c, d, e, and f that results in property damage in an amount of less than $200 and does not result in bodily injury or death, or a violation of Section 2154.254 (a) or (b), is a Class C misdemeanor.
• State law also gives fire professionals and law enforcement the ability to charge a person with arson if they recklessly cause a fire that damages a structure or other property such as a motor vehicle. If a person is found guilty under this law, the penalty can include fines up to $10,000 and incarceration.

Reference: Texas Occupations Code § 2154.251. Prohibited Use of Fireworks

Source: https://www.bexar.org/649/Prohibited-Use-of-Fireworks

Submitted by:  Gene Hopkins on behalf of Beverly Hover, Standards Manager