For many families in Fulshear, the Fourth of July means backyard cookouts, neighborhood gatherings and celebrating America's birthday with family and friends. But as fireworks season gets underway across Fort Bend County, local officials are reminding residents that a safe holiday begins well before the first firework is lit.

Consumer fireworks may be legal in certain unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County, but they also carry significant risks. Every year, fireworks contribute to thousands of injuries, fires and emergency room visits across the country. For residents of Fulshear, taking a few extra precautions—and understanding where fireworks are and are not allowed—can help make the holiday safer for everyone.

Whether you're planning to celebrate at home or attend a community event, here's what Fulshearresidents should know before the Fourth of July.

Before You Buy Fireworks, Check Your HOA Rules

One of the most important steps many homeowners overlook has nothing to do with state law.

For residents who live in a deed-restricted neighborhood like Fulshear, first confirm that fireworks are not expressly prohibited by your homeowners association's governing documents. Even where Texas law allows fireworks, many HOAs prohibit or restrict their use within the community.

If you're unsure, review your governing documents or contact your community management team before purchasing or discharging fireworks.

Professional Fireworks Shows Are the Safest Choice

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) says the safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a professional public fireworks display rather than setting them off at home.

Fireworks cause thousands of injuries each year, and NFPA notes that the only truly safe way to view fireworks is at a professionally conducted show.

Choosing one of the many professional fireworks displays taking place across the Greater Houston and Fort Bend County area not only reduces the risk of injury and fire, but also helps minimize disruptions throughout residential neighborhoods.

Buy Only From Licensed Fireworks Stands

If you choose to purchase fireworks, buy them only from a licensed fireworks stand or retailer.

The National Council on Fireworks Safety recommends never purchasing fireworks from someone's home or from individuals selling them on the street. Those products may be illegal explosives or professional-grade fireworks that are far more dangerous than consumer fireworks.

Every fireworks stand operating in Fort Bend County is required to have a current permit issued by the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office.

Residents who become aware of someone selling illegal explosives such as M-80s, Cherry Bombs or Silver Salutes should contact the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) at 1-888-ATF-BOMB (1-888-283-2662) or email ATFTips@atf.gov. 

Know Where Fireworks Are Illegal

The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office works to reduce fire risks through fire prevention, inspections, investigations, public education and code enforcement throughout unincorporated Fort Bend County.

Before celebrating, residents should know that fireworks are strictly prohibited within the city limits of Katy, Fulshear and Richmond. If you live inside any incorporated city, check with your municipality for its specific ordinances before using fireworks.

Texas law also prohibits discharging fireworks in unincorporated Fort Bend County:

• Within 600 feet of a church, hospital, asylum, licensed child care center, public or private school, college or university unless authorized in writing.
• Within 100 feet of locations where flammable liquids or compressed gases are stored or dispensed.
• Within 100 feet of locations where fireworks are stored or sold.
• Inside any building.
• In or from a motor vehicle.

In addition, Fort Bend County may prohibit the use of aerial fireworks such as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins during periods of extreme drought or after severe freezes if conditions create an elevated wildfire risk under Texas law.

Residents who are unsure whether they live in unincorporated Fort Bend County should verify their location using the county's online GIS map before planning to discharge fireworks.

Violations of Texas fireworks laws may result in criminal penalties, and fire marshals or peace officers may seize illegal fireworks. The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal's Office also notes that certain violations may be prosecuted as Class B misdemeanors, while others may be Class C offenses depending on the circumstances.

Safety Starts Before the First Firework

The Fort Bend County Fire Marshal encourages residents to prepare before celebrating by:

• Purchasing fireworks only from licensed retailers.
• Reading all manufacturer instructions before use.
• Never attempting to make homemade fireworks.
• Wearing safety glasses.
• Using fireworks only outdoors in an open area away from homes, vehicles, trees and dry vegetation.
• Keeping a charged garden hose and buckets of water nearby.
• Lighting only one firework at a time before moving away quickly.
• Never relighting a malfunctioning firework. Wait at least 20 minutes before soaking it in water.
• Never carrying fireworks in your pocket.
• Never placing fireworks into metal or glass containers.
• Never mixing fireworks and alcohol.
• Supervising children at all times.

Officials also remind residents that children should never purchase, handle or ignite fireworks without direct adult supervision.

Even Sparklers Can Cause Serious Burns

Many parents consider sparklers among the safest fireworks, but fire safety experts say they can be surprisingly dangerous.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, sparklers burn at approximately 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt glass. Children younger than 15 account for 28% of fireworks-related injuries around the Fourth of July, while sparklers alone account for 29% of fireworks injuries involving children younger than 5. Nationally, fireworks start more than 31,000 reported fires each year.

For younger children, glow sticks, patriotic crafts, outdoor movie nights, noise makers or other festive activities can provide much safer alternatives.

Celebrate Responsibly

If fireworks are allowed where you live, Fort Bend County encourages residents to celebrate responsibly by:

• Following all local laws.
• Reading warning labels carefully.
• Lighting only one firework at a time.
• Keeping spectators a safe distance away.
• Never using fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
• Never experimenting with homemade fireworks.

One of the most overlooked fireworks hazards happens after the celebration ends.

Even if a spent firework appears cool on the outside, internal materials may continue smoldering. Residents should soak both used fireworks and "duds" thoroughly with water before disposal. After they've been completely soaked and allowed to cool overnight, dispose of them carefully.

Placing fireworks that are still hot into a trash can can ignite other combustible materials, potentially causing a trash fire that spreads to garages, vehicles, fences, landscaping or even homes. Whenever possible, keep your trash cart away from structures until collection day.

Fireworks Can Lead to Serious Consequences

Fireworks-related fires don't just threaten the person using them—they can affect entire neighborhoods.

Fort Bend County officials warn that if a fire intentionally started with fireworks damages another person's property, the responsible individual could face an arson charge punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, and potential civil liability for property damages.

Remember Your Neighbors, Pets and Veterans

Being a good neighbor means thinking beyond your own celebration.

Residents are encouraged to avoid discharging fireworks late into the evening out of consideration for families with young children, elderly neighbors, shift workers and pets.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also reminds the public that fireworks can serve as powerful trauma reminders for veterans and others living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Loud explosions, flashing lights, smoke and burning smells may trigger anxiety, hypervigilance or flashbacks—even when someone knows they are safe.

If you're planning a backyard celebration, consider letting guests and nearby neighbors know in advance and, when possible, setting a predictable time for fireworks. A little communication can make the holiday more enjoyable for everyone.

Help Keep Pets Safe

Fireworks are one of the busiest times of year for lost pets.

To help keep animals safe:

• Keep pets indoors during fireworks.
• Create a calm environment using familiar toys, music or television.
• Never bring pets to fireworks displays.
• Prevent pets from sniffing or eating fireworks.
• Make sure pets wear identification tags and consider microchipping in case they become frightened and run away.

What Fulshear Residents Should Remember

Whether you're planning a backyard gathering or attending a neighborhood celebration, a safe Fourth of July starts with preparation, courtesy and common sense.

Before lighting fireworks, make sure they're legal where you live, verify that your HOA doesn't prohibit them, supervise children at all times, protect pets, clean up and properly dispose of fireworks after use, and remember that what feels like a celebration for one family can be a difficult experience for another.

Whenever possible, consider attending one of the many professional fireworks displays taking place throughout Fort Bend County and the Greater Houston area. It's the safest way to celebrate Independence Day while helping protect your family, your neighborhood and the first responders who work to keep Fort Bend County safe.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local Fourth of July events, Fort Bend County community updates and important public safety information.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.