Karen Huber County Commissioner: Precinct Three Report

June 2009: Fireworks Safety Awareness

Now more than any other time in our recent history, it is crucial that Central Texans use common sense regarding the use of fireworks. This July 4th, I urge vigilance and an abundance of caution as we celebrate our nation’s independence.

As the drought index in Travis County soars past 575 – the level at which a drought is considered to be “extreme and exceptional” – we are all becoming increasingly anxious about the risk of wildfires affecting our homes, especially as July 4th approaches. It is with good reason that we are all on edge this year. The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) is right around 600 – and by the 4th of July it is expected to be in the mid to high 600 range.

Many of you have asked me why Travis County hasn’t taken the steps necessary to restrict the sale of fireworks. Sadly, counties in Texas have very little authority to ban the sale and use of fireworks. For one, rockets with sticks and missiles with fins are the only fireworks that counties have any authority to address and must do so in a prescribed manner according to state statute.

Perplexingly, action to restrict the sale of fireworks needed to be taken prior to June 15th of this year in order to be effective for the July 4th selling season, as directed by the State. Unfortunately for us, the conditions did not meet the requirements at that time. In order for the Travis County Commissioners Court to have taken action by June 15, the KBDI (the index used by the State to determine the intensity and risks associated with a drought) had to be at least 500. The drought index was inching towards 500 but did not quite reach it by that crucial deadline.

Herein lies the problem for counties in Texas. By the time the Index levels reach the benchmark for action, the action timeline requirements usually do not fit. During each legislative session, bills are filed that will give counties more authority to limit or ban fireworks but the pro-fireworks lobby is strong and has been able to prevent any new legislation from being enacted.

County Commissioners received a communication from Chester Davis, the President of the Texas Pyrotechnic Association, last week saying that they have asked fireworks retailers to voluntarily ban the sale of rockets and fireworks with sticks and fins from being sold in Travis County during this year’s 4th of July season. My understanding is that this type of agreement has worked out in the past, and I am grateful to the Texas Pyrotechnic Association for this action. Still, it is purely voluntary with no guarantee that 100% of retailers will comply.

Because of the extreme drought conditions, the high fuel loads in the rural areas and the extreme fire risk, I encourage everyone to forego independent fireworks usage and instead attend one of the managed fireworks displays, like City of Austin, Lakeway, Volente Beach or out in Lago Vista, rather than risk a wildfire.

Fireworks safety information is available on Travis County’s website: www.co.travis.tx.us/ and on this fireworks safety website: www.fireworksafety.com/.