Fireworks allowed, but be wary

‘Tis the season for the booms and blasts of fireworks as the Fourth of July is just around the corner. While it may carry extra danger at this dry time of the year, fireworks are allowed in some locations.

“As you know there is a Hays County Burn Ban in the unincorporated areas, fireworks are not included in the burn ban,” Hays County Constable Ray Helm said. “There is State Legislation that prohibits fireworks from being banned by Texas counties. Cities can create their own ordinances to prohibit any kind of fireworks.”

As of Monday afternoon, the city of Wimberley did not have a burn ban in place, though Helm said the city was considering putting one on soon. The city of Woodcreek, however, does have a burn ban in place and does not allow fireworks within city limits without a permit. Fines in the city of Woodcreek can be up to $2,000 for violating the fireworks ordinance.

“We will have deputies out to cover the Fourth of July at night,” Helm said. “If you are in the unincorporated areas and are going to use fireworks, please be kind and work with your neighbors.”

It also pays to be careful. Last year on the Fourth of July, there were around a dozen fires in the Wimberley area caused by fireworks. Some were contained to small areas but at least one fire burned a barn completely.

“While the drought index was below the threshold for banning fireworks with sticks and fins by the deadline of June 15, please remember that much of our environment is very dry, and grass and brush fires ignite easily,” Hays County Fire Marshall Clint Browning said. “If you plan to set off fireworks of any kind, be sure that there is a water source nearby, and that all fireworks litter is cleaned up and placed in a safe, fireproof container or doused in water before you leave the area. The same goes for outdoor grilling – make sure your grill fire is out before you leave the area.”

Although there is a burn ban in place in the unincorporated areas of Hays County, outdoor grilling is allowed in a grill with a

lid. Open fires, burn barrels, and fire pits are not allowed, nor is any type of fire at Hays County parks.