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Liberty County approves amended order restricting certain fireworks for Fourth of July
Summary
The Liberty County Commissioners Court unanimously approved an amended order prohibiting specific types of fireworks in incorporated areas for the Fourth of July; sales of most fireworks remain allowed and enforcement will focus on retail stands.
The Liberty County Commissioners Court on a unanimous voice vote approved an amended order prohibiting certain types of fireworks in incorporated areas of Liberty County for the Fourth of July holiday.
The action, announced at a short special meeting in June 2025, was taken to limit sale and use of specific fireworks that local officials say may be restricted without a drought declaration under state administrative rules. Commissioner Karbowski, Commissioner Arthur and Commissioner Clark were present in the courtroom; Commissioner Whitmire joined by Zoom.
County staff member Andy said the amended order was consistent with state rules and noted current conditions did not meet the county’s threshold for a burn ban. "I'm good with what it's written. There was some confusion with what can be restricted, but it has to be under the declaration of a burn ban and a drought, which we are not under," Andy said. He added that retail stands and stores would be inspected: "The ones with sticks happen to need a certain size ... and they'll be checked, you know, when we go out and look at the stands in the stores to make sure they don't have the ones that aren't allowed, and they know which ones they are."
The court clarified that the order does not ban all fireworks or sales. As Andy explained, "they can sell fireworks. They just can't sell certain kinds. The only ones that can be prohibited without a drought being declared are the ones that are in chapter 21.54, Texas Administrative Code." The court did not declare a burn ban or drought during the meeting.
The motion to approve the amended order was made by Bruce Seaman and seconded by Greg (last name not specified). The presiding official called for a vote; the court recorded the vote as unanimous. Following the vote the court immediately adjourned.
The order focuses enforcement on types of fireworks identified in state administrative rules and on retail compliance checks; no fines, penalties, or additional implementation steps were specified during the meeting.
