Fireworks Celebration Leads to Overnight House Fire in Montgomery County

PORTER, TX -- One resident was injured Tuesday evening when fire broke out just before Midnight at a home in the Porter area. Fire Crews from Montgomery County ESD 6 were dispatched to reports of a home fire in the 23000 block of Honeysuckle Drive. Upon their arrival they found the home and a nearby vehicle burning. Firefighters were able to contain the fire but not before both were heavily damaged. The injured resident was treated for minor burns and lacerations from broken glass.

An investigation into the cause of the fire revealed that it started from spent fireworks that had been improperly discarded. The residents reported that they had discharged fireworks to celebrate Mexico’s victory in the World Cup and after the display, they gathered up the fireworks debris and thinking that it was completely out, left it near a vehicle parked in front of the home. The fireworks debris reignited, starting a fire that quickly spread to the vehicle and their home.

How to Safely Dispose of Fireworks

• First off, you'll want to make sure your pyrotechnics are waterlogged. Soak your spent fireworks and any duds in a bucket of water for at least 15 minutes and thoroughly wet any large fireworks display boxes.

• The best advice is to leave the debris overnight, but once you're satisfied that they are completely soaked, drain any excess water, and place your fireworks into a sealable plastic bag to maintain moisture. For an extra measure, consider double-bagging. The key is to not let the debris dry out and re-ignite.

• Place any bags of debris as far away as possible from your home or anything that could catch fire and threaten structures or other property.