Drought fizzles fireworks dreams for the Fourth of July

Several area counties, including Bexar, have restricted the sale and use of fireworks ahead of the Fourth of July because extreme drought has increased the risk of fire.

Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff has signed an order prohibiting fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” or “missiles with fins” in the unincorporated areas of the county, according to Tom Peine, county spokesman.

Peine said the dry and windy conditions have created a “tinder box.” He said Bexar is banning skyrockets with fins because those have the potential to go higher and can spark a fire farther in the distance.

Those who violate the order can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $500.

Atascosa, Guadalupe, Comal, Hays and Medina counties have similar orders.

A complete list of where fireworks are prohibited in Bexar County is on the fire marshal’s website.

Within the city limits of San Antonio and several other nearby municipalities, the sale and discharge of fireworks is prohibited. Violators caught in San Antonio can be charged with a Class C misdemeanor and fined up to $2,000, said Joe Arrington, with the San Antonio Fire Department .

Peine said fireworks still allowed to be set off in the unincorporated parts of Bexar County should be handled with care and safety.

He said not to drink alcohol when igniting fireworks and to keep children at a safe distance.

A bucket or water hose should be kept nearby in case of fire, Peine said, and the remains of fireworks should be picked up and extinguished in a bucket of water before being thrown into the trash.

A video on fireworks safety provided by Bexar County can be found on YouTube.

At their Tuesday meeting, Bexar County commissioners can vote on whether to ratify and continue Wolff ’s order.

Brian Boisvert/Joint Base San Antonio A crew battles a wildfire at Training Area 23 near Joint Base San Antonio-Camp Bullis.