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Potter County limits sale and use of certain aerial fireworks amid drought concerns
Summary
Citing drought conditions and recent fires, county staff recommended and the court approved an order restricting sale/use of certain 'sticks and fins' aerial fireworks under Texas Local Government Code §352.051; commissioners said broader bans require a local disaster declaration.
County staff recommended an order prohibiting sale and use of certain aerial fireworks commonly described as "sticks and fins," arguing that those fireworks present a particular ignition risk while drought and recent fires have left fuels dry. The recommendation cited Texas Local Government Code §352.051 as the legal basis for a restricted order.
"I do have concerns," said the county fire official, noting that recent rainfall has produced vegetation growth that will dry quickly with upcoming triple-digit temperatures. Staff and commissioners discussed drought metrics tracked by Texas A&M Forest Service and the Key Byron Drought Index; staff said the county could restrict a narrow class of fireworks but could not ban all fireworks without a local disaster declaration.
Commissioner (S11) moved to approve the restriction on sticks-and-fins fireworks; the motion passed unanimously, 5–0. Staff said they would revisit rescinding the restriction if substantial rain arrives and the drought index drops.
