Published: July 02, 2009 03:38 pm      

Live in San Marcos? Stay off the fireworks

Don't use personal fireworks over the July 4 weekend in San Marcos. If you are caught, it could mean up to a $2,000 fine.

Mayor Susan Narvaiz urges residents instead to enjoy the free public fireworks display at San Marcos Plaza Park at 9:30 p.m. Saturday at Summerfest on July 4.

"Local ordinance prohibits the possession or use of fireworks in San Marcos and within a mile of the city limits," Narvaiz said. "In

addition, we are well into the second year of a severe drought. The extremely dry conditions pose a severe fire danger that should make everyone take precautions."

The Fire Marshal's office and San Marcos Fire Rescue will have extra patrols on duty this weekend to answer fireworks complaints. They will also set up traffic signs warning that fireworks are banned in San Marcos.

To report illegal fireworks in San Marcos, call 753-2108.

The city of San Marcos prohibits the sale, possession, storage, or discharge of fireworks in the city and within a mile of the city limits.

Violators can be fined up to $2,000.

Hays County commissioners negotiated with vendors on a "sticks and fins" fireworks ban which prohibits using aerial rockets.

Saturday's Summerfest Celebration at San Marcos Plaza Park will feature a public fireworks display "bigger and better than ever," said festival co-chairs Lisa Morris and Rebecca Ramirez.

Fireworks will be staged from the parking lot behind the baseball/ softball stadium at the Texas State University campus.

Great viewing will be possible at a variety of locations, including San Marcos Plaza Park, the Activity Center, Library, City Hall and Strahan Parking Lot. Residents can also tune into KTSW 89.9 radio to hear the simulcast of music accompanying the fireworks display.

Nationally, nearly 9,800 people are treated in emergency rooms each year for fireworks-related injuries-and most are children between the ages of 10 to 14. In 2006, fireworks sparked 32,600 fires, caused six deaths and 70 injuries-and $34 million in property damage. Most fireworks fires and injuries happen around the July 4 holiday.