County fireworks use restricted

Even with this week’s rainfall, local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the celebration of the New Year’s Eve holiday are handled safely and legally. 

Dry conditions in the fall sparked the county commissioners to continue the county burn ban at their regular meeting on Monday, Dec. 17, and as of Wednesday morning, it was still in place.

Wet weather in the early fall caused some plant regrowth even after the regular growing season, and officials have been cautious about allowing burning, especially in light of frequent windy days.

Even when Shackelford County is not under a burn ban, the use of fireworks is never allowed inside the city limits of either Albany or Moran. The use of fireworks on county roads is also prohibited.

Last week, county judge Ross Montomery issued very specific restrictions banning certain fireworks within the county.

“No person may sell, detonate, ignite, or in any way use fireworks classified under 49 C.F.R. part. 173.100®)(2) (10-1-86 edition), as ‘skyrockets with sticks’ and ‘missiles with fins’ in any portion of the unincorporated area of Shackelford County. All types of fireworks are banned on any county road.”

Albany VFD chief Kyle Tischler said that the city wide ban on fireworks is important for fire prevention.

“As far as fireworks inside the city, not only is there a law that restricts this, but aerial fireworks are a concern for us on homes and out buildings,” Tischler said. “There’s still a lot of buildings that have cedar type shingles and those can set fire easily.”

All fireworks must be fired from private property outside the city limits, and with the landowner’s permission.

According to the Texas Forest Service, large fire and significant fire potential remains low across the state with higher than normal moisture levels in brush and timber litter. 

But Tischler noted that in some places there is a tremendous amount of fuel out there to burn.

“The winter temperatures don’t have as much effect on grass fires as some people think,” added the fire chief. 

Tischler said that fire threat is more influenced by available fuel, humidity levels, and wind speed than by outside temperatures.

“A few years back we were actually fighting a grass fire out just west of town on Christmas Day with snow on the ground and active snow falling,” he said. 

All of the local fire departments are suffering a shortage of staffing, and fireworks associated with the New Year’s and July 4th celebrations are at the top of the local VFD list of concerns, according to Tischler.

“Be extremely cautious,” said Shackelford County Rural Fire Chief Brad Henry. “Fuels usually get tinder dry as we get into winter, and any spark could start a large, deadly wildfire under those conditions. We hope residents are planning to be safe and stay with things that are lower on the ground, don’t pop up in the air, or that might cause trouble for other folks.”

Shackelford County ambulance crews often spend New Year’s Eve responding to emergencies, and they’re also hoping everyone uses a little common sense as they ring in 2019.

Annette Harris at the EMT station reminded people to use common sense when setting off fireworks.

“Don’t hold them in your hands,” Harris said. “Don’t point them toward anybody. And be aware of tall grass, and don’t start any fires.”

Mary Quintero, EMS director of operations, says children should never use fireworks without constant adult supervision.

“Make sure an adult closely supervises,” Quintero said. “Never let children set off fireworks.”

Even sparklers burn at 2,000 degrees and will stay hot long after the sparkle has burned out.

Quintero advised those using fireworks to wear gloves, use “punks” instead of lighters, have only one person shooting at a time, and do not set off more than one device at once.

“Make sure to follow the package directions,” she added. “If it says, ‘Do not hold in hand,’ then don’t!”

People who suffer a serious burn or receive an eye injury should seek immediate medical attention, advised Quintero.

“In the event of a minor burn, keep the area cool by submerging in cool, not cold, running water,” Quintero said. “Do not apply ointment and do not apply Vaseline, instead use a cool, moist dressing to keep the burn area moist and sterile. If it’s a large burn, seek medical attention.”

County Judge Ross Montgomery added that those using fireworks need to be sensible about where they set them off and make sure they have the means at hand to put a fire out. 

Local emergency responders all stressed the same concerns about people setting off fireworks.

“All we ask is that fireworks are done with personal safety and other people’s property in mind,” Tischler said, summing up the cautions.