Montgomery County Fire Marshal's Office statement on Fireworks

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- We understand that many residents are concerned about the use of fireworks, especially in those parts of the county that have not seen any recent rainfall.

In Texas, Counties are limited to the authority given to them by the State legislature.
Under current law, Montgomery County cannot prohibit the use of fireworks unless there is a declared disaster, therefore it is permissible to discharge fireworks during the upcoming holiday weekend in unincorporated areas of Montgomery County. Fireworks are prohibited in most cities and in The Woodlands Township.

Please remember that just because you can shoot off fireworks, doesn’t mean it is a good idea to do so. PLEASE EXERCISE COMMON SENSE. Parts of the county are still suffering drought conditions and the grass is extremely dry. Please do not shoot fireworks in areas where there are ignitable sources of fuel - such as dry grass or fields.

If consumer fireworks are legal to buy where you live and you choose to use them, be sure to follow the following safety tips:

• Never allow young children to handle fireworks

•Older children should use them only under close adult supervision

•Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol

•Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eyewear

•Never hold lighted fireworks in your hands

•Never light them indoors

•Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material

•Never point or throw fireworks at another person

•Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting

•Never ignite devices in a container

•Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks

•Soak both spent and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding

•Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off or in case of fire

•Never use illegal fireworks

Better yet, grab a blanket and a patch of lawn, kick back and let the experts handle the fireworks show. There are a number of professional firework displays that folks can attend all around the area.