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. 

Dry conditions and high winds have sparked the county commissioners to continue the county burn ban, with several wildfires fought by local and area volunteers in the past month. 

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

Shackelford County has occasionally put specific restrictions banning certain aerial fireworks within the county when there are 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 wildfire conditions and use caution with any fireworks.