Caution urged with fireworks use

By Melinda L. Lucas

The start of a new year is a time for celebrating, and local emergency responders remind county residents to make sure that any fireworks used in the festivities are handled safely and legally.

Although the county commissioners have lifted the county burn ban, at least temporarily, because of recent rainfall, there is still the opportunity for wildfires.

Even when a burn ban is not in effect, the use of fireworks is never allowed inside the city limits of either Albany or Moran. The use of fireworks on county roads or from any public roadway in Texas is also prohibited.

In the past, Shackelford County has put very specific restrictions banning certain aerial fireworks within the county when there are especially dangerous fire conditions.

While this specifically worded restriction was not passed by commissioners this year, county officials hope that all citizens of Shackelford County will be mindful of the wildfire conditions and take care with any fireworks.

As of Dec. 21, Shackelford County was at a moderate risk of wildfires, according to the Texas A&M Forest Service.