Can You Legally Buy Fireworks In Texas For Memorial Day Weekend?

While driving along FM 2493 (Old Jacksonville Hwy.) in Gresham, just south of Tyler, Texas this past weekend I happened to notice that a roadside fireworks stand was set up and there were people there stocking it and getting ready to sell some fireworks.

But can you legally purchase fireworks for Memorial Day weekend in Texas like you can on July 4th and New Year's? The answer is, YES!

Yes, fireworks can be legally sold during the seven special 'fireworks seasons' in Texas.

• Independence Day - June 24 - July 4
• New Year's Day - December 20 - January 1
• Cinco de Mayo - May 1 - May 5 (must be less than 100 miles from the Texas-Mexico border)
• Texas Independence Day - Feb 25 - March 2
• San Jacinto Day - April 16 - April 21
• Memorial Day - last Wednesday before the last Monday of Memorial Day
• Diwali - five days before Diwali

So those roadside stands that have popped up are legal as long as the county commissioner's court has approved the sale of fireworks for the 'season'. So the sale of fireworks may not be legal in your area, depending upon county officials.

So if your stash of fireworks from New Year's is running low, you can replenish it now if you see a roadside stand open.

Is it legal to shoot off fireworks where you live?

When buying fireworks, remember to check with city officials and ordinances to see if it is legal to shoot off fireworks where you live. Many cities and communities have ordinances in place and is illegal to shoot them within city limits. Ordinances are more relaxed or even non-existent in rural county areas.

Although we've seen our fair share of rain this spring, shoot fireworks off safely and have a fire extinguisher, water, or water hose nearby just in case a fire breaks out.

Remember though Texas state law bans setting off fireworks in these areas:

• Without written permission from the organization, not within 600 feet of;
  • A church
  • A hospital
  • An asylum
  • A licensed child care center
  • A school – primary, secondary, or higher education institution
• Within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or gasses are stored and dispensed;
• Within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;
• In or from a motor vehicle;
• In a display of fireworks including “class B” or “1.3G” fireworks (often used in larger community shows) without a licensed pyrotechnic operator and the approval of the local fire prevention officer; and
• On the property of the US Army Corps of Engineers (including many parks and lakes)

Have a fun time safely with your fireworks this Memorial Day weekend.