It’s that time of year again: Authorities say to enjoy the Fourth of July festivities, but be advised that a hefty fine may be assessed for hosting a backyard pyrotechnics show in an incorporated area.
Officials with the Houston Fire Department say fines can run between $500 to $2,000 for each individual firework deployed in an off-limits neighborhood. Residents of unincorporated areas of Harris, Fort Bend and Montgomery counties can shoot fireworks, but not within 600 feet of a church, hospital, veterinary clinic, licensed childcare facility, school, college, or university.
They also can’t ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a location where flammable liquids or compressed gases are stored or dispensed or where fireworks are kept and sold. “Warnings are no longer used because of the seriousness of the firework laws,” according to the HFD webpage on firework safety. “If a minor is caught with fireworks, the parent or guardian will receive the fine even if they were unaware of the minor’s possession and/or usage.”
The National Fire Protection Association estimates that 19,500 blazes started by fireworks are reported to local American fire departments each year. Residents can report the illegal use of fireworks to a non-emergency HFD line at 713-884-3131.
There are no active burn bans in Harris or the surrounding counties, but those who choose to shoot fireworks in unincorporated areas should have a water source nearby and clear the area of any flammable materials.
A list of Fourth of July festivities:
Freedom Over Texas
Friday, July 4
Eleanor Tinsley Park
3600 Allen Parkway
Houston, TX 77019
4 to 10 p.m.
Admission per person is $10, and free for children 5 and under
4th of July Celebration on Skylawn
Friday, July 4
POST Houston
401 Franklin St.
Houston, TX 77201
5 to 10 p.m.
Tickets start at $35
Galveston Island Parade
Friday, July 4
Seawall Blvd 22nd to 45th
Galveston, TX 77550
6 to 8 p.m.
Admission is free
Galveston Island 4th of July Fireworks Show
Friday, July 4
The best views are between 27th and 37th streets, but you’ll be able to see the display from just about anywhere on the island.
9:15 p.m.
Admission is free
Kemah Boardwalk 4th of July Celebration
Friday, July 4
215 Kipp Ave., Kemah
Live music begins at 2 p.m.
9 p.m. Fireworks
Admission is free (parking fees apply)
The Woodlands Fireworks
Friday, July 4
Synchronized displays at Northshore Park, Town Green Park, Waterway Square, and Rob Fleming Park
9:30 p.m.
Admission is free
Star-Spangled Banner Salute at Miller Outdoor Theatre
Friday, July 4
Miller Outdoor Theatre in Hermann Park
6000 Hermann Park Drive
Houston, TX 77030
8:30 p.m.
Admission is free
City of Bellaire Celebration of Independence Parade & Festival
Friday, July 4
South Rice Avenue and Valerie Street
Bellaire, TX
Parade and festival begins at 9 a.m.
Admission is free
Fireworks on the Pier
Saturday, July 5
Kings Harbor Waterfront Village
4501 Magnolia Cove Drive
Kingwood, TX 77345
7 p.m. with fireworks at 10 p.m.
Admission is free
