County ban prohibits some fireworks

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

Once again this year, Caldwell County has opted to impose a ban that will prohibit the sale or use of some fireworks during the “winter fireworks season.”
According to the order issued by the Caldwell County Commissioners Court on Dec. 11, all fireworks classified as “rockets with fins” or “missiles with sticks

” are prohibited. Sale or use of the prohibited fireworks is considered a Class C Misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500. The ban does not prohibit the use of professional-grade fireworks classified as “Class B,” such as those used for professional displays, nor does it apply to small, common fireworks classified as “Class C explosives.”
Many fireworks distributors are diligent about monitoring such ordinances in counties where their vendors are located, and hence rarely ship prohibited fireworks to those areas. However, consumers and vendors are ultimately responsible for making sure their fireworks are legal.
Despite recent rains, Caldwell County remains under an outdoor burning ban. Conditions may still be favorable for wildfires, so anyone hoping to use fireworks during the New Year’s holiday is urged to use extreme caution. Fireworks should never be used in brushy, overgrown areas or heavily populated areas, and people using fireworks should make sure to have a hose or bucket of water available in the case of emergencies.