Fireworks stands in Texas were allowed to open for Fourth of July sales on Tuesday, but possession and use of fireworks has serious restrictions in the Wichita Falls area.
Possession or discharge of fireworks in the city limits is prohibited, according to Wichita Falls city ordinances.
“No person shall fire or explode or keep, store, manufacture or sell any pyrotechnics in the corporate city limits,” according to the ordinance.
People caught popping fireworks or possessing them in Wichita Falls are subject to a $2,000 fine.
“This ordinance is in place to help protect individuals from potential injury and property from damage caused by the use of fireworks,” Sgt. Brett Keith, Wichita Falls police spokesman, said.
He said any fireworks found in the possession of any person can be confiscated by police or the fire marshal.
In addition to local ordinances, Texas state law bans use of fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, licensed child care center or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education. It is also illegal to discharge fireworks on roadways or from vehicles.
By law, fireworks stands must stop selling fireworks by midnight July 4.
This article originally appeared on Wichita Falls Times Record News: Fireworks go on sale — with restrictions attached
Reporting by Lynn Walker, Wichita Falls Times Record News / Wichita Falls Times Record News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
