http://www.ksat.com/news/16690534/detail.html
Disaster Declaration Banning Usage In County Begins Tuesday
POSTED: 8:47 pm CDT June 23, 2008
UPDATED: 7:54 am CDT June 24, 2008
SAN ANTONIO -- A disaster declaration by Bexar County went into effect Tuesday, effectively banning the use of fireworks except in specified safe zones.
Bexar County commissioners passed the declaration earlier this month, which banned the use of fireworks and the sale of specific types. The declaration follows continuing drought conditions as well as a lack of significant rain across the area.
Michael Girdley with Alamo Fireworks said he understands the situation and admits the subsequent ban is bad for business, but he believes the weather and sales will eventually bounce back.
There are 10 designated safe zones that will allow people to use their fireworks. The zones, staffed by volunteer firefighters and fireworks sales staff, will be prepared in advance of the July 4 holiday for use. Firefighters will use a controlled burn to eliminate any dry grass in the area and will later hose down the land just before the sites open to help prevent fires from igniting, according to a county press release.
The safe zones will be available on July 3 and 4 from 6 p.m. until midnight. A map of the fireworks safe zones can be seen here. (PDF file courtesy of Bexar County).
SHOGUN FIREWORKS BLOG
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Showing posts with label texas. Show all posts
Monday, June 30, 2008
Texas Forest Service Issues Warning On Use Of Fireworks In Rural Areas
http://www.fortbendnow.com/
By John Pape
With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, the Texas Forest Service is warning people to be cautious using fireworks in rural areas. Dry conditions across much of Texas can result in grass fires like the one that engulfed this car.
slideshow With most cities banning the discharge of fireworks, some people are going to rural areas to celebrate the Fourth of July.
That, however, may not be a good idea, according to the Texas Forest Service.
Despite recent rainfall, many rural areas continue to be extremely dry and there continues to be a high danger of wildfires. Even when caution is used, handling of fireworks can be dangerous, according to Tom Spencer, fire risk coordinator for the Texas Forest Service.
“It only takes a spark to start a wildfire,” Spencer said. “Fireworks, especially aerial fireworks, can be the source of that spark.”
Much of the state remains in drought and, as a result, the grasses have dried out and are easily ignited. Spencer recommended using fireworks well away from dry grass and other flammable vegetation. He recommended the following precautions be followed:
• Adhere to all county and city fireworks laws and restrictions.
• Use fireworks outdoors, away from dry grass and buildings.
• Follow label instructions on how to properly discharge fireworks.
• Only use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby.
• Discard used fireworks; never try to relight them.
• Allow used fireworks to cool thoroughly before handling to avoid burn injuries.
The Texas Fire Service is urging people who want to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks to plan ahead and limit the use of fireworks to areas where accidental fire starts will not occur.
Better yet, make plans to attend a professional fireworks display.
“Everybody doing their part will make sure we all have a happy and safe Independence Day,” Spencer said.
By John Pape
With the Fourth of July holiday just around the corner, the Texas Forest Service is warning people to be cautious using fireworks in rural areas. Dry conditions across much of Texas can result in grass fires like the one that engulfed this car.
slideshow With most cities banning the discharge of fireworks, some people are going to rural areas to celebrate the Fourth of July.
That, however, may not be a good idea, according to the Texas Forest Service.
Despite recent rainfall, many rural areas continue to be extremely dry and there continues to be a high danger of wildfires. Even when caution is used, handling of fireworks can be dangerous, according to Tom Spencer, fire risk coordinator for the Texas Forest Service.
“It only takes a spark to start a wildfire,” Spencer said. “Fireworks, especially aerial fireworks, can be the source of that spark.”
Much of the state remains in drought and, as a result, the grasses have dried out and are easily ignited. Spencer recommended using fireworks well away from dry grass and other flammable vegetation. He recommended the following precautions be followed:
• Adhere to all county and city fireworks laws and restrictions.
• Use fireworks outdoors, away from dry grass and buildings.
• Follow label instructions on how to properly discharge fireworks.
• Only use fireworks with close adult supervision.
• Keep a bucket of water, wet towels and a garden hose nearby.
• Discard used fireworks; never try to relight them.
• Allow used fireworks to cool thoroughly before handling to avoid burn injuries.
The Texas Fire Service is urging people who want to celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks to plan ahead and limit the use of fireworks to areas where accidental fire starts will not occur.
Better yet, make plans to attend a professional fireworks display.
“Everybody doing their part will make sure we all have a happy and safe Independence Day,” Spencer said.
Drought conditions delay sales of fireworks -Texas
http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=8540056
Posted: June 23, 2008 09:53 PM
Updated: June 23, 2008 11:23 PM
AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- If you're looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang, you can't run out and buy fireworks just yet.
You won't be able to get your hands on any fireworks until just days before the Fourth.
These sizzling days we have had over the past month are wreaking havoc on Fourth of July fireworks' sales.
Drought conditions across the state are delaying sales.
The Texas Pyrotechnic Association, the Texas Forest Service, along with emergency and fire officials, are voluntarily taking action by delaying sales one week.
It's a proactive way to limit the potential fire threat during this dry, hot season.
This will hit heavy in the pockets of those who sell fireworks, with 70 percent of the sales season eliminated.
The groups, however, said safety is a major concern.
So, you won't be able to buy firecrackers until July 1 in Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2008 WorldNow and KXAN. All Rights Reserved.
Posted: June 23, 2008 09:53 PM
Updated: June 23, 2008 11:23 PM
AUSTIN, Texas (KXAN) -- If you're looking to celebrate the Fourth of July with a bang, you can't run out and buy fireworks just yet.
You won't be able to get your hands on any fireworks until just days before the Fourth.
These sizzling days we have had over the past month are wreaking havoc on Fourth of July fireworks' sales.
Drought conditions across the state are delaying sales.
The Texas Pyrotechnic Association, the Texas Forest Service, along with emergency and fire officials, are voluntarily taking action by delaying sales one week.
It's a proactive way to limit the potential fire threat during this dry, hot season.
This will hit heavy in the pockets of those who sell fireworks, with 70 percent of the sales season eliminated.
The groups, however, said safety is a major concern.
So, you won't be able to buy firecrackers until July 1 in Bastrop, Hays, Travis and Williamson counties.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2008 WorldNow and KXAN. All Rights Reserved.
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