Fireworks Prohibited for New Years in San Angelo and Tom Green County

SAN ANGELO, TX – As the New Year quickly approaches, many residents may be busy searching for fireworks to help them ring in the New Year. However, despite their pretty appearance in the sky, fireworks are no longer permitted inside San Angelo’s city limits, as well as across the Tom Green County.

Lt. Christina Lopez, with the Tom Green County Sheriff’s Office, said, “There are no locations within the county where the public can legally set off fireworks.”

San Angelo Police Public Information Officer Tracy Gonzalez added, “Fireworks are prohibited within city limits.”

Previously, Twin Buttes was a popular location for residents to set off their fireworks; however, “this year that is no longer the case, as Parks & Wildlife will be enforcing violations,” said Lt. Lopez. Furthermore, she sternly advised that residents “may not set off fireworks on public highways” either.

Fire Marshal Ross Coleman said the fire department does not recommend any areas for people to set off fireworks, for “possessing or using fireworks within 5,000 feet of and inside the San Angelo city limits is a Class C misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,000,” which is in accordance to a city ordinance.

For those who do purchase and ignite fireworks outside the restricted zones as a part of their New Year’s Day celebration, Fire Marshal Coleman offered some safety tips for them to follow.

• Always read and follow label directions.
• Have an adult present.
• Buy from reliable sellers.
• Use outdoors only.
• Always have water – a garden hose and a bucket – on hand.
• Never experiment or make your own fireworks.
• Light only one firework at a time.
• Never re-light a “dud” firework. Wait 15-20 minutes, then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Never give fireworks to children.
• If you must store fireworks, do so in a cool dry place.
• Dispose of fireworks properly by soaking them in water, then disposing of them in your trash can. Leaving used, discarded fireworks on the ground is littering.
• Never throw or point fireworks at other people.
• Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
• Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
• The shooter should always wear eye protection and never have any part of the body over the firework.
• Stay away from illegal explosives.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a display by a licensed pyrotechnic operator.

Fire Marshal Coleman would also like for people to be mindful “that the wildlife danger remains significant in Tom Green County,” as “recent rainfall [has generated] a lot of fuels for fires;” and, any kind of careless ignition of a firework could cause a dangerous blaze. Therefore, it's best not to break the restrictions in place.

Officer Gonzalez stressed, “SAPD will enforce violation” of the city ordinance mentioned above.

With that being said, LIVE! would like to wish everyone a safe and Happy New Year!