Be Safe this Fourth of July

Travis County Judge, Fire Marshal, and Emergency Services Districts Urge Fireworks Safety for July 4^th Holiday

(Travis County, TX) – Travis County Judge Andy Brown, Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway, and the Fire Chiefs of Travis County’s Emergency Services Districts (ESD’s) are urging extreme caution when using fireworks to celebrate the July 4^th holiday. After meeting this week to discuss the holiday preparations being made by Fire Chiefs, it is clear wildfire danger is very present. The ESD’s are bringing in additional staff to assist with wildfires that may result from holiday fireworks celebrations.

“Our Emergency Services Districts are doing everything they can to prepare for the holiday weekend, but they need the community’s help,” said Travis County Judge Andy Brown. “I urge everyone to be mindful when celebrating with fireworks this holiday. All it takes is one small spark to start a wildfire that can quickly get out of control.”  

“Current dry conditions are having an impact on the risk of wildfire within Travis County. There has been a 73% increase in wildfire activity this last week compared to the prior week,” said Ken Bailey, Fire Chief for ESD 11. “While this week’s rain is helpful, it is unknown if the precipitation we receive will adequately mitigate our risks going into the 4th of July weekend. Regardless of the rain, we urge people to use fireworks responsibly. Shooting fireworks near large areas of vegetation would undoubtedly be ill-advised.”

“While the voluntary move by local fireworks retailers to not sell certain aerial products is a step in the right direction, we still need the public to do its part. I urge everyone to save their fireworks for a later date when conditions improve and instead attend one of the many professional fireworks shows held within the area.” said Travis County Fire Marshal Tony Callaway. “If you are going to use fireworks, it is imperative that you follow the safety tips from my office. Folks need to remember that they can and will be held responsible for damages resulting from the use of fireworks.”

The Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office offered the following recommendations:

• You should never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Sparklers burn as hot as a welding torch and are NOT for little kids to use. Give children glow sticks to play with and leave the sparklers to the adults.
• Never lean over the fireworks when lighting them.
• Don’t pick up fireworks that have not completely gone off; they may still explode.
• Throwing fireworks at each other is a bad idea. Don’t do it.
• Light fireworks one at a time.
• After fireworks complete burning, spray them with water or put them in a bucket of water. Do NOT put them in the trash.

For more information on fireworks and home fire safety, visit the Travis County Fire Marshal’s website at www.traviscountytx.gov/fire-marshal.