San Marcos Record, San Marcos, TX

Local News

June 15, 2011

Caldwell bans all fireworks

By Anita Miller News Editor

— Caldwell County residents who want to see exploding fireworks this Independence Day might better look into virtual displays available via computer screen savers. An emergency order by county officials has banned the use and sale of all real fireworks.

The declaration of a local state of disaster was signed by County Judge Tom Bonn Monday and applies to all fireworks except those that are part of municipal displays.

The move came at the urging of fire authorities. Caldwell County is already under a burn ban which outlaws virtually all outdoor fires.

Chuck Cutshall, president of the Caldwell County Fire Chief’s Association (CCFCA), said his organization has “great concern for the safety of property and life in our county due to the lack of rainfall,” in a letter to Bonn and county commissioners. “We are asking the sale, possession and use of all fireworks be banned,” and that the rule be enforced “through the end of July or until such time we have had adequate rainfall to alleviate the dry and hazardous conditions.”

According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index on Monday, Caldwell County had, on average, a rating of 728 on a scale that goes only to 800. The county’s maximum on Monday was 748, while the minimum was 694. Authorities say those conditions are likely to persist for at least the next 14 days, with KBI indexes of between 728 and 748.

The declaration means the county is in “imminent threat of widespread and severe damage that could result from wildfires created by fireworks among other things.”

The fire chiefs also requested, and the county granted, imposing the most severe penalties the law allows. “We truly believe if citations are not issued and it is not publicized by local media that violators will be cited then we would expect an increase in fire calls during the 4th of July holiday,” Cutshall wrote.

According to the declaration, violators will be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and confinement in jail for up to 180 days.

Cutshall also noted that due to the huge fires and wildfire potential in other areas of Texas, “we should not expect much support from the Texas Forest Service,” whose resources are already being drained.

Some area cities like Austin have even banned municipal displays. Summerfest San Marcos, which usually has a fireworks display, has not yet made a decision about its 2011 celebration.  

San Marcos has, however, banned the use of wood or charcoal-burning pits in city parks.

A burn ban also continues in effect in Hays County, where commissioners have outlawed the sale and use of fireworks with “missiles and fins.”

To report a fire or burn ban violation, call 911.

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