Dry weather leads to banning of certain types of fireworks in rural areas

By Linda Perkins

Anvil Herald Reporter

During Medina County Commissioners Court Monday, Dec. 1, the court adopted an Order prohibiting, selling, detonating, igniting, or in any way using certain fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Medina County. 

The Texas A&M Forest Service has determined that drought conditions exist in the County.

Commissioners Court has determined that the normal danger of fire in the unincorporated areas of the County is greatly enhanced by the extremely dry conditions now existing.

Due to these considerations, the Court adopted the following Order:

• A person may not sell, detonate, ignite, or in any way use fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” (bottle rockets) under 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part. 173.100(r)(2) (10-01-86 edition) or missiles with fins in any portion of the unincorporated areas of the County;

• The Order does not prohibit “permissible fireworks” as authorized in the Occupations Code Section 2154.003(a);

• A person commits an offense if the person knowingly or intentionally violates a prohibition established by this Order. An offense under this Order is a Class C Misdemeanor; and

• This order expires on the date the Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions no longer exist in the County or January 2, 2026, whichever is earlier.