Caution urged for July 4th fireworks

AUSTIN (KXAN/AP) - Even though drought conditions have improved from a year ago, authorities say Fourth of July revelers should still use caution with fireworks.

Fire Marshals have recommended that local fireworks stands take some dangerous fireworks off the shelves.

"We pulled winged items things like artificial satellites, B3 bombers, and any items that spin and fly up in the air those are the items we pulled," Jeff Coffee, of American Fireworks.

The Texas Forest Service says 83 of the state's 254 counties had outdoor burn bans Monday. A year ago more than 230 counties had outdoor burn bans amid the devastating drought and extreme hot weather.

The agency is encouraging people planning holiday celebrations to use fireworks safely. Spokesman Justice Jones says the wildfire potential exists in areas where consecutive days of hot temperatures have dried out vegetation.

Earlier this month, the Travis County Fire Marshal's Office said fireworks sales in unincorporated areas will not be restricted.

“It has been awhile since our last beneficial rainfall, and the county is slowly drying out,” said Travis County Fire Marshal Hershel Lee. “With high humidity weather, fires have not been a big problem yet. As summer begins, we want everyone to be safe while using fireworks, or leave the fireworks to professionals.”

Fire Marshals’ Office recommends following these safety tips:

•  Buy from reliable fireworks sellers only and never attempt to make your own fireworks.
•  To detonate fireworks, find a flat surface, away from buildings, dry leaves and grass.
•  Have water on hand in case of a fire.
•  Insist on adult supervision when buying or setting off fireworks.
•  Read and follow label directions, warnings and instructions.
•  Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks.
•  Light only one firework at a time.
•  Never try to re-Iight fireworks that have not detonated.
•  Never give fireworks to small children; even sparklers can cause serious burns.

Fireworks are legally sold in counties from June 24 to July 4. In unincorporated parts of Travis County, the sale and possession of fireworks is legal. Both are prohibited within the city limits of Austin. In addition, fireworks are not allowed in Travis County Parks and parks managed by Travis County.

All of Texas has emerged from the worst stage of drought for the first time in nearly 15 months. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released last Thursday showed none of Texas in exceptional drought.