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Wilson County restricts certain aerial fireworks, keeps burn ban in place
Summary
The court voted to prohibit sale and use of "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" in unincorporated Wilson County, citing public-safety concerns and state code; the broader county burn ban remains in force.
County staff and the court debated whether to lift the countywide burn ban and whether to issue a targeted order restricting certain fireworks ahead of the holiday season. Staff clarified the proposed order would apply only to Class C aerial fireworks with fins and sticks (the items most associated with fires) and said such an order must be posted by Dec. 15 to affect New Year's use.
Reading from the proposed order, staff told the court a provision would prohibit sale or use of certain fireworks: "a person may not sell, detonate, ignite, or in any way use fireworks classified as skyrockets with a stick under 49 CFR part 173.1 ... and or use missiles with fins in any portion of the unincorporated areas of Wilson County." The court discussed enforcement challenges, noting residents can purchase restricted items in neighboring counties but cannot legally use them inside Wilson County.
Commissioner Martin moved and Commissioner Perdola seconded the motion "to restrict fireworks so a person may not sell, detonate, ignite, or in any way use fireworks, classified skyrockets with sticks and or missiles with fins in any portion of the unincorporated areas of Wilson County," amended to reference Local Government Code 352.051. The motion passed unanimously.
Separately, the court decided to maintain the county's existing burn ban (a 90-day order already in effect), citing high KBDI values and recent fires reported in the county. Staff noted KBDI had only dropped a small amount since the last briefing and that some precincts still prefer to keep restrictions in place.
