Fire Marshal Outlines Fireworks Safety Tips

DOWNTOWN AUSTIN-UT, TX -- The winter retail fireworks season has officially begun, running through midnight on New Year’s Day. As a result, the Travis Fire Marshal’s Office has issued a set of safety tips for those intent on using holiday fireworks over the holidays.

Travis County officials are not restricting the sale of fireworks in unincorporated parts of the county during the upcoming holidays. However, fireworks are banned in county parks, and their sale and possession are prohibited within the city limits of Austin, officials note.

Among the safety tips are:

• Buy fireworks only from reliable merchants, and never—ever—attempt to make your own.

• In detonating fireworks, it’s advised to do so on a flat surface, away from buildings, in an area free of dry leaves and grass.

• Have water handy in case of a sudden fire.

• Adult supervision is highly urged when buying and using fireworks.

• Carefully read and follow instructions and warnings affixed to the fireworks.

• Before igniting fireworks, make sure other people are out of range.

• Light only one firework at a time.

• Never try to re-light fireworks that failed to fully function the first time.

• Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns, as they are capable of reaching 1,200 degrees.

For more information, call the Fire Marshal’s office at (512) 854-4621.