Few citations were issued over illegal fireworks

SAN ANTONIO — If you were in San Antonio on New Year’s Eve, it’s almost certain you heard or saw the barrage of loud fireworks that lit up the skyline, scaring people and pets and triggering those with PTSD.

Despite being illegal within city limits, the hours-long aerial displays that were seemingly everywhere only garnered a handful of complaints and citations.

The San Antonio Police Department issued one citation and 21 warnings for fireworks use on New Year’s Eve. The Bexar County Fire Marshal’s Office issued two citations and three warnings, and fielded 18 calls via their temporary fireworks hot line.

A lack of citations could be traced to the city’s decision not to set up a fireworks hotline for New Year’s Eve. The city also did not set up a hotline for the Fourth of July, citing proximity concerns regarding the coronavirus.