As Independence Day approaches, residents in the Wimberley Valley may be surprised to learn that fireworks rules depend on which side of the city limits they live.
While consumer fireworks are generally permitted in unincorporated areas of Hays County, the neighboring cities of Wimberley and Woodcreek have different ordinances governing their use.
Within the City of Wimberley, residents may possess and discharge common non-aerial consumer fireworks, including sparklers and firecrackers, provided they are not otherwise prohibited by state law or a countywide restriction. However, the city continues to prohibit skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins within the city limits.
The City of Woodcreek, meanwhile, prohibits the sale, distribution and discharge of all fireworks within its city limits. The ordinance makes it unlawful to ignite, detonate or discharge fireworks of any kind and provides for fines of up to $2,000 for violations. Professional fireworks displays may be permitted with approval from the county fire marshal.
Outside the incorporated city limits, consumer fireworks — including skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins — are currently permitted throughout unincorporated Hays County.
According to Hays County Fire Marshal Jake Vierra, recent rainfall has significantly reduced wildfire concerns ahead of the holiday.
"With the recent rain we have received, conditions across Hays County have improved quite a bit," Vierra said. "Our current KBDI value is at 138, which is well within a safer range, and we expect it to stay that way through the Fourth of July holiday. Because of that, no additional fireworks restrictions will be put in place at this time."
Under state law, Hays County may prohibit the sale and use of restricted fireworks — defined as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins — only when drought conditions exist. Those conditions are defined by a Keetch-Byram Drought Index, or KBDI, of 575 or higher.
Vierra said the county's current KBDI is well below that threshold, meaning restricted fireworks remain legal in unincorporated areas. However, the order approved by the Hays County Commissioners Court last month would automatically prohibit the sale and use of those fireworks if the KBDI reaches 575 before the July 4 sales period ends.
Texas law allows licensed retailers to sell fireworks through midnight July 4.
Although current conditions are favorable, Vierra urged residents to celebrate responsibly.
"That being said, we still want everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly," he said. "Fireworks can be dangerous if they are not handled properly."
Vierra encouraged residents to use fireworks only in clear, open areas away from dry grass, homes, vehicles and people. He also recommended keeping a water source nearby, never allowing young children to handle fireworks and never attempting to relight a firework that fails to ignite.
"We want everyone to enjoy the holiday, but we also want them to be good neighbors and keep safety in mind," Vierra said. "A few simple precautions can prevent injuries, fires and unnecessary emergency calls."
