EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso County Commissioners Court voted on Monday, June 9 to prohibit the sale and use of some fireworks in the unincorporated areas of the County for the July Fourth season.
County commissioners voted to prohibit the sale and use of fireworks classified as “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins,” commonly known as “sticks and fins,” in the unincorporated areas of El Paso County. Unincorporated areas include parts of the County that are outside city limits and are not governed by municipal governments such as those of El Paso, Socorro, Horizon City, or San Elizario.
“This targeted restriction was adopted as a precautionary measure in response to ongoing extremely dry conditions across the region. According to the Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI), El Paso County has reached a level of 710, which indicates elevated fire risk and meets the threshold for implementing restrictions,” the Countuy said.
County officials said this is not a blanket ban on fireworks. Many types of legal fireworks remain permitted, allowing residents to continue celebrating the holiday with family and friends – safely and responsibly.
“The (Commissioners) Court acknowledges that these decisions can impact local small businesses that rely on seasonal fireworks sales, and the decision to implement restrictions was not made lightly. County officials stressed that public safety remains the top priority, but they remain mindful of the challenges that small business owners face during this critical sales period,” the County said in its news release.
The Commissioners Court urges residents and vendors to exercise caution and good judgment during the Fourth of July season, emphasizing that personal responsibility is key to preventing dangerous fire incidents and protecting the community, the County said in its news release.
“This includes keeping our neighborhoods free of debris and trash that may accumulate during the 4th of July festivities,” the County said in its news release.
The legal fireworks sale period is June 24 through midnight on July Fourth.
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