Collin County Public Information

Public Information Office
210 S. McDonald St. Suite 636
McKinney, TX 75069

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Leigh Hornsby, Public Information Officer
972-548-4772
publicrelations@collincountytx.gov

June 23, 2004

Fireworks to go on sale at midnight; Collin County officials offer safety tips

(McKinney, TX) – Fireworks go on sale at midnight Thursday, June 24th in anticipation of Fourth of July activities, and officials in Collin County are urging residents to be responsible and play it safe.

In Texas, fireworks can be sold twice a year, from June 24th through July 4th and from December 20th through January 1st. Collin County’s fire marshal is expecting approximately 55 retail fireworks stands to open this week.

The stands must be supervised by someone at least 16 years of age, and the vendors cannot sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 12. Additionally, smoking or open flames are prohibited within 10 feet of the stand.

Most cities in the county have specific ordinances that prohibit the sale, possession and discharge of fireworks within the city limits. Some of the larger cities with populations over 5,000 can also extend that ordinance and the enforcement into their ETJ.

There are certain regulations that persons must follow when igniting fireworks in the county. A person may not:

explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives in writing form that organization;

sell at retail, explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;

explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;

ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle

place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks at motor vehicle;

conduct a public fireworks display that includes Fireworks 1.3G unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic operator;

conduct a proximate display of fireworks that include Fireworks 1.3G or Fireworks 1.4G as defined in NFPA 1126 Standards for the Use of Pyrotechnics before a proximate audience unless the person is a licensed pyrotechnic special effects operator and has the approval of the local fire prevention officer.

Violations of the above section 1-5 are Class C Misdemeanors and 6-7 are Class B.

In recent years, fireworks have been one of the leading causes of injuries serious enough to require hospital emergency room treatment. They can cause severe burns, fractures, scars or even death.

To help celebrate the holiday safely, the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the National Council on Fireworks Safety offer the following tips:

Always read and follow label directions

Always have an adult present

Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers

Only ignite fireworks outdoors

Be sure to have water handy

Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks

Light only one at a time

Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks

Never give fireworks to small children

Store fireworks in a cool, dry place

Dispose of fireworks properly

Never throw fireworks at another person

Never carry fireworks in your pocket

Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.

“Although these are excellent tips, the best thing to keep in mind is that truly safe fireworks don’t exist,” says Collin County Fire Marshal Steve Deffibaugh. “My office will be out each night from the 24th through the 4th, doing fireworks stand inspections and assisting the sheriff’s office on calls relating to fireworks.”

###