If you’re thinking about setting off fireworks on the Fourth of July, you may want to stay outside of Fort Worth and parts of Tarrant County.
The sale, possession or discharge of fireworks is illegal in Fort Worth and carries a fine of up to $2000, according to a Fort Worth city ordinance.
Fireworks are also illegal in Tarrant County unless you live in an unincorporated area . Most cities prohibit fireworks within 2,000 to 5,000 feet of their respective city limits.
Why fireworks in Fort Worth are illegal
Texas laws on fireworks are pretty strict because its primary ingredient, black powder, has the potential to be deadly. Tarrant County Interim Fire Marshall David Butler said most people don’t use them as intended, which has serious consequences.
“People tend to hold the fireworks when they’re actually supposed to set them down, light them, and get away, or some actually shoot them at each other,” Butler said. “Unfortunately, you get into even bigger problems when alcohol is involved and people don’t pay attention to what they’re doing. Injuries can happen, and fires can start because of that.”
Butler said anything that you have to ignite to use is considered a firework and can’t be used in the city. This includes sparklers , which some people deem safer for kids.
“Sparklers are probably the safest to use, but they’re still illegal in the city. Anything you have to Ignite is banned in most cities,” he said.
According to the Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office sparklers cause nearly 30 percent of all firework-related injuries around the Fourth of July.
A recent Consumer Product Safety Commission report found eight people were killed and 9,700 were injured by fireworks in the days leading up to and shortly after the holiday in 2023.
Residents are encouraged to report illegal fireworks by calling the Fort Worth Firework Hotline at 817-392-4444. Families can still enjoy fireworks at several public displays in the Fort Worth area .
Most Popular
Comments / 0