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Dimmit County outlaws sale of certain fireworks in unincorporated areas during drought
Summary
Commissioners adopted an order prohibiting the sale of restricted fireworks in unincorporated Dimmit County after Texas Forest Service drought findings; the order targets sellers (not purchasers) and makes violations a class C misdemeanor.
Dimmit County Commissioners voted Dec. 8 to adopt an order prohibiting the sale of certain restricted fireworks in the county’s unincorporated areas after the Texas Forest Service determined drought conditions increased fire danger.
The order, as read into the record, prohibits sale, detonation or ignition of fireworks classified as skyrockets with sticks and certain missile‑style devices in unincorporated areas. The judge noted the order does not ban permissible fireworks authorized by the Texas Occupations Code; the prohibition is aimed at sellers, not purchasers.
Commissioners discussed enforcement mechanics — deputies and code enforcement will check vendors for compliance and the court noted previous seasonal checks. The record states a violation of the order is a class C misdemeanor with penalties that could include fines or community service; the judge said criminal prosecution would remain subject to the district attorney’s charging decisions.
Several commissioners asked how the county would inspect sellers; the judge and commissioners said deputies and code‑enforcement staff, along with surprise checks by the State Fire Marshal, carry out compliance checks. One commissioner emphasized that the order targets sale, not purchase, and that a separate penal code provision would apply if sellers supplied prohibited devices.
The court voted and the motion carried to adopt the order.
