Lighting Fireworks Is Illegal In Dallas City Limits

DALLAS, TX — Fourth of July celebrations are nothing without fireworks, and, believe us, we love them as much as you do. But we, like you, hope to stay out of trouble on this Independence Day. That's why we won't be popping any fireworks in the City of Dallas.

Not only is refraining from lighting fireworks within the city a component of being a good neighbor, but it's also illegal. That's right — lighting, buying or even possessing fireworks within Dallas city limits is illegal.

That means anyone who is busted with illegal fireworks is subject to a $2,000 fine. Moreover, residents hoping to light their own fireworks must do so at least 5,000 feet outside of city limits. Yep, that's almost a mile.

Remember that it's also illegal to discharge a gun within city limits. Anyone caught shooting a gun on July 4th — or any other time of year, for that matter — could face up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine for discharging a firearm. But if police decide that firing the gun was "deadly conduct," the shooter could serve as many as 10 years and pay as much as $10,000. Honestly, it's just not worth it.

And if the threat of jail time isn't persuasive enough, it's also important to remember that fireworks start an average of 18,500 each year. One measure local governments have taken to prevent these fires is by issuing burn bans across North Texas. See the full list of counties under burn bans here.

Related on Patch:

• Dallas July 4 Fireworks, Parades and More: 2018 Guide
• July 4th Events Impact Traffic, Cause Road Closures In Dallas
  

Police in Dallas and surrounding areas have already begun confiscating illegal fireworks. Here's what DPD hauled in on June 30.

Don't forget these key facts when it comes to staying safe and legal on July 4th:

Lead image via Shutterstock