Firework sales across the county start today and all five firework stands have voluntarily agreed not to sell fireworks with sticks or fins, essentially rockets and missiles.
According to Erath County Fire Marshal Tommy Shelton, he approached all of the firework stands in the county to ask them not to sell rockets and missiles because of drought conditions. Firework stands are not shortening their sell dates, and will be able to sell June 24 – July 4, if they choose.
Erath County Commissioners attempted to place a firework ban June 13, but were unable to because the county had not yet reached the required drought number. To implement a firework ban, the drought index determined by the Texas A&M Forest Service needs to be 575 or greater. According to the local government code, the ban must be implemented no later than 10 days prior to when firework sales begin.
“We are at that drought index number now,” Shelton said.
Shelton is urging all residents to use extreme caution when using any fireworks. Make sure to have plenty of water on hand and if there is a fire, call 911 immediately.
Erath County Emergency Management would like to remind everyone that it is against the law to ignite/discharge fireworks inside the city limits of any city, such as Dublin and Stephenville. It is a Class C Misdemeanor with fines up to $500 per incident for igniting/discharging fireworks inside city limits. Also, if a fire is caused by your fireworks, you could be held responsible for all damages caused.