Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations

Fourth of July fireworks and celebrations

Friday, 27 June 2008

What is the City of Austin ordinance regarding fireworks? It is illegal to possess fireworks within the City of Austin or to use or sell fireworks within the City of Austin and within 5,000 feet outside the city limits.

Are any fireworks legal in the City of Austin without a permit? The U.S. Department of Transportation does not classify the following items listed as common fireworks, and their use is allowed within the City of Austin:

• Snakes, GlowWorms
• Smoke Device - produces white or colored smoke as the primary effect
• Wire Sparklers that do not contain magnesium
• Trick noisemakers including: party poppers, booby traps, snappers, trick matches, cigarette loads, auto burglar alarm 

What does Austin do to enforce the fireworks ordinance? The City of Austin has adopted an ordinance forbidding the storage, use and handling of fireworks within city limits and within 5,000 feet outside the city limits. The Austin Fire Department has aggressively sought compliance with this ordinance. A hotline is established to report non-emergency fireworks violations. With the new 311 system, police department units are dispatched from the non-emergency line, which keeps the 911 system from being flooded with calls regarding fireworks violations. The Austin Fire Department has a presence on the streets, and the Fire Marshal’s Office issues citations for violating the fireworks ordinance and vigorously prosecutes persons responsible for starting fires as a result of fireworks.

Requirements for a fireworks display A permit is required in order to promote or execute a commercial or consumer firework display within the city. For a fireworks display permit, call 974-0160.

Fines for fireworks - Possession or illegal use of fireworks can result in a $248 fine. If the illegal use of fireworks results in bodily injury or a fire, other criminal charges or fines may result. Charges and fines, up to and including felony charges, will vary depending on the consequences of the act.

Travis County also has a burn ban in effect through July 9. Fines: Class C Misdemeanor, punishable by a fine up to $500; Actions prohibited:

• Burning any combustible material outside of an enclosure that serves to contain all flames and/or sparks
• Engaging in any activity outdoors that could allow flames or sparks that could result in a fire unless done in an enclosure designed to protect the spread of fire

Source: City of Austin and Travis County