Texas New Year Fireworks: Regulations & Safety

**Montgomery County Readies for New Year’s: Fireworks Regulations, Safety Warnings, and Enforcement in Focus**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – As New Year’s Eve rapidly approaches, residents across Montgomery County and broader Texas are urged to familiarize themselves with specific regulations surrounding fireworks for the holiday season. Local authorities are emphasizing not only legal compliance but also heightened safety precautions, especially given recent dry conditions.

While the sale and discharge of pyrotechnics are legal in unincorporated areas of Texas, it’s crucial for residents to remember that they are strictly prohibited within city limits. This ban extends to all incorporated municipalities within Montgomery County, including Conroe, Willis, Montgomery, Oak Ridge North, Panorama Village, Shenandoah, Splendora, Woodbranch, Roman Forest, and Patton Village.

The period for both selling and discharging fireworks runs annually from December 20th through January 1st. Typically, usage is allowed from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. within permitted zones. However, New Year’s Eve brings extended hours for celebration: on December 31st, you can discharge fireworks from 10 a.m. until 1 a.m. on January 1st. On New Year’s Day itself, the standard 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. window applies.

Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams and his office, in conjunction with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office and municipal police departments, will be actively enforcing these regulations throughout the holiday period. Violators caught discharging fireworks illegally face a Class C misdemeanor, which carries a fine of up to $500. Should the illegal use result in property damage, the offense escalates significantly to a state jail felony, underscoring the serious consequences of irresponsible use.

“We want everyone to enjoy a safe and celebratory New Year’s, but that means doing so responsibly and legally,” stated Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams. “The dry conditions we’ve seen recently elevate the risk of wildfires significantly. A moment of carelessness can lead to devastating consequences, not just for property but potentially for lives. We urge residents to be extremely vigilant, follow all safety guidelines if discharging fireworks in permitted areas, and respect the bans within city limits.”

Officials are particularly emphasizing heightened safety precautions, especially considering the potential for notably dry conditions across Montgomery County, which can contribute to an increased risk of wildfires. Residents in permitted areas are strongly advised to exercise extreme caution:
* Ensure fireworks are discharged over a flat, clear, non-combustible surface, far away from dry vegetation, structures, and vehicles.
* Keep a water source, such as a garden hose or several buckets of water, readily available.
* Remove any dry grass, leaves, or other flammable materials from the immediate vicinity.
* Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities, and never allow children to handle pyrotechnics.
* Never try to relight a “dud” firework.
* Be aware of wind conditions, as strong gusts can carry embers to unintended areas.
* After use, thoroughly soak all spent fireworks in water before disposing of them to prevent trashcan fires.
* Consider the impact of noise on pets, and keep them indoors and secure.

For those seeking to avoid the risks entirely, attending professional fireworks displays is highly recommended as a safer and often more spectacular alternative. Residents should check their local city or community websites for any scheduled public events.

To report illegal fireworks discharge, residents should contact their local law enforcement’s non-emergency line, such as the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office non-emergency dispatch at 936-760-5800. For more information on fireworks safety and regulations, visit the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office website.