As families across Cypress Point prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July and America's 250th anniversary with backyard barbecues, neighborhood gatherings, and fireworks displays, the Cy-Fair Fire Department (CFFD) is asking residents to think beyond the fireworks show itself.

While most people focus on safely lighting fireworks, fire officials say one of the biggest risks often begins after the celebration ends. Improper disposal of spent fireworks remains a leading cause of fireworks-related structure fires, and many homeowners don't realize that fireworks that appear extinguished can continue smoldering for hours.

To help reduce that risk, CFFD is launching a new community safety initiative by distributing 3,600 free fireworks safety buckets throughout the Cypress area, making it easier for residents—including those in Cypress Point—to safely dispose of used fireworks before they can spark a fire.

A Simple Step That Could Prevent a House Fire

According to Cy-Fair Fire Department Fire Chief Amy Ramon, many fireworks-related fires happen because residents unknowingly throw seemingly harmless fireworks into trash cans, garages, or other enclosed spaces before they have completely cooled.

"Even fireworks that appear extinguished can smolder undetected for hours, turning trash cans, garages, and other enclosed spaces into ignition points," Ramon said. "Over the years, our department has responded to numerous structure fires that were a result of improper fireworks disposal, and in nearly every case, the resident simply didn't know. That's why CFFD is taking a proactive stand against this crucial part of fireworks safety."

The department developed the new bucket program after responding to an unusually high number of fireworks-related fires during the 2025-2026 New Year's holiday, prompting leaders to explore additional ways to improve community safety before Independence Day.

Ramon said preventing fires often comes down to one simple habit.

"This bucket program is one of the most direct ways we know of to prevent fireworks-related incidents," she said. "A simple action like soaking spent fireworks in water can be the difference between a family's going to bed safely and a family's losing their home."

How the Fireworks Safety Bucket Program Works

The free buckets provide residents with an easy, dedicated way to safely cool and dispose of fireworks after the celebration.

CFFD recommends the following steps:

Fill the bucket before lighting fireworks.

Having the bucket ready beforehand makes it easy to immediately dispose of spent fireworks.

Place all spent fireworks into the water.

This includes used fireworks as well as any "duds" that failed to ignite properly.

Let fireworks soak overnight.

Keep the bucket outdoors and away from your home, garage, or other enclosed structures while the fireworks cool completely.

Bag wet fireworks before throwing them away.

Drain excess water, then place the soaked fireworks into a resealable plastic bag, double grocery bags, or wrap them securely in plastic to help keep them wet. Although soaked, fireworks can become combustible again if allowed to dry.

Throw them in the trash.

Do not place fireworks in recycling bins or yard waste containers.

Ramon also reminds residents that cleanup doesn't stop with the fireworks themselves.

"Firework residue is toxic and needs to be swept up. Keep children and pets well away from it."

Where Cypress Point Residents Can Pick Up a Free Bucket

Beginning June 24, the first day fireworks can legally be sold in Texas, free buckets are available while supplies last at:

• Participating fireworks retailers throughout the Cy-Fair Fire Department service area
• Select Cypress-area H-E-B stores
• Cy-Fair Fire Department Administration Building, 10710 Telge Rd, Houston, TX 77095

Distribution continues through July 3 or until all buckets have been claimed.

Residents can view participating pickup locations by visiting: https://bit.ly/CFFDFireworks 

Local Partnerships Expand Community Safety

The department partnered with local H-E-B stores and participating fireworks retailers to make the buckets widely available where families are already shopping for their Independence Day celebrations.

"We're grateful to our H-E-B partners and the local fireworks retailers who stepped up to help us get these buckets directly into the hands of residents," Ramon said. "This kind of collaboration is how we make real progress on prevention."

Serving Communities Like Cypress Point

Residents of Cypress Point are served by the Cy-Fair Fire Department, one of the largest combination fire departments in the United States. CFFD provides fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and community risk reduction programs throughout Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9, covering approximately 164 square miles of northwest Harris County.

Operating from 13 strategically located fire stations, the department responds to more than 40,000 emergency calls each year with a team of more than 550 firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, dispatchers, and support personnel. In addition to emergency response, CFFD places a strong emphasis on public education and proactive safety initiatives designed to help prevent emergencies before they occur.

The new fireworks safety bucket program is another example of that mission—giving residents practical tools that can help protect homes, families, pets, and neighborhoods during one of the busiest fireworks weekends of the year.

What Cypress Point Residents Should Remember This July 4

Fireworks can create lasting memories, but they can also create hidden hazards long after the final spark fades. Taking a few extra minutes to properly soak and dispose of spent fireworks can significantly reduce the risk of accidental fires and help ensure the holiday ends as safely as it began.

As America's 250th birthday celebrations light up the skies this Fourth of July, CFFD hopes every family in Cypress Point can enjoy the festivities knowing they've also taken an important step toward protecting their home and their neighbors.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more local public safety updates, community news, and Fourth of July information affecting Cypress Point.

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.