The New Year is just around the corner, and some local residents may wish to start 2023 with a literal “BANG!”
Before lighting a fuse or firing off a gun, though, be sure you are familiar with city laws and safety guidelines on fireworks and celebratory gunfire.
In Dallas, lighting fireworks is against the law. If caught lighting, selling, manufacturing, or storing fireworks within 5,000 feet of Dallas city limits, one can expect to incur fines of up to $2,000 — not a great way to start the new year.
Most other North Texas cities have also banned sparkling spectacles because of the high risk of injuries and property damage associated with fireworks.
“In 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires, including 1,200 total structure fires, 400 vehicle fires, and 16,300 outside and other fires,” read a 2015 July 4th City of Dallas newsletter. “These fires resulted in an estimated eight reported civilian deaths, 40 civilian injuries, and $32 million in direct property damage.”
Reportedly, the City confiscated 479 pounds of fireworks in 2014.
Texas law allows the use of fireworks on private property at least 5,000 feet outside city limits, except “within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center,” or a school, or within 100 feet of a facility that sells or stores flammable liquids or compressed gas.
Celebratory gunfire is also outlawed. Anyone caught shooting a gun recklessly within city limits can spend up to a year in jail and be fined up to $4,000, The Texas Tribune reported.
Former State Senator Royce West penned the law prohibiting reckless gunfire in 1995, specifically with celebratory gunfire in mind.
“People are being shot by randomly fired bullets as they stroll down a street or watch television in their living rooms,” a report on the bill by the House Research Organization stated. “Even a bullet fired straight up in the air on private property can cause severe injury when it lands.”
One Houston resident, Dawn Ritchey, lost half of her second toe after stepping outside her front door on July 4th. A stray bullet fired into the air struck her in the foot upon its descent, missing her head by mere inches.
“I couldn’t wrap my head around it until I saw the X-Ray with the .38 in my foot,” Ritchey told The Dallas Express. “I’m lucky to be alive and that my kids are alive who were standing right next to me.”
For those who plan to ring in the New Year with celebratory fireworks outside of city limits, here are a few safety tips from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
- Keep a hose or bucket of water ready in case of accidents.
- Keep spectators a safe distance away from fireworks (150 feet from aerial fireworks and 35 feet from ground-based fireworks).
- Beware of duds, and do not attempt to reignite faulty fireworks. After five minutes, dispose of them in a water bucket.
- Supervise children using sparklers (which burn at 1200 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Keep pets inside or away from the fireworks.
- Soak both used and unused fireworks in water for a few hours before discarding them.
- Use a stem lighter and never stand directly above a firework or hold it in your hand while lighting.
- Light one firework at a time.
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Consider safe alternatives to fireworks, such as party poppers, bubbles, silly string, or glow sticks.