It's easy to tell where city boundaries are in the Houston area this time of year. Do you see a massive fireworks stand lit up with spotlights and waving inflatable tube guys? You're probably at the city limit.
But if you stop and buy some pyrotechnics, what comes next? In Houston and surrounding cities, being caught with fireworks or setting off fireworks could land you a ticket. However, few people have been issued fines in Houston in the last few years, a new Houston Chronicle report shows.
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Here's what to know about shooting your own fireworks in the Houston area:
Where can I go to legally set off fireworks near Houston?
The use of fireworks is illegal within the limits of most cities in the region, including Houston.
People in unincorporated areas of a county — parts of a county not covered by city limits or a homeowner's association with a ban — are allowed to use fireworks.
Unincorporated areas of Harris County, for example, include neighborhoods in Atascocita, Crosby, Cypress, South Belt, Spring and Channelview.
If you are not sure whether the area you’re in prohibits fireworks, the Harris County Economic Development cities map below shows incorporated parts of the county.
The fire marshal’s office recommends searching your address using the Harris County Address Lookup. People in Fort Bend County can see unincorporated areas on this map, and people in Brazoria County can look here, but it's best to contact local officials and ask.
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Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams said fireworks are allowed in the county but most cities and some homeowner’s associations have restrictions prohibiting them.
“For the most part, firework (use) in the county will follow state law, which means since we are not in a drought, basically (anything) you can buy at a firework stand is legal to shoot off,” Williams said. “My best advice is if you live in a city or municipality, you need to contact your city hall for the rules specific to your city because they do vary.”
If you don't own property in a particular area, it may be difficult to find a spot to light fireworks.
“If fireworks are illegal where you live, there isn't a legal place I can suggest for you to light them," said Rosenberg spokesperson Tanya Kveton.
Where can I buy fireworks near Houston?
Fireworks may be purchased from stands or stores that have retail fireworks permits in the state of Texas. They must be sold in areas where possessing and using fireworks is legal.
There are 85 fireworks stands across Fort Bend county this year, up from 75 last year, Fire Marshal Justin Jurek said.
“We do have a lot of people moving into new neighborhoods in the unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County and more and more people are just choosing to ignite their own fireworks, it does create issues,” said Jurek. “We just ask you to maintain safety.”
Fireworks at the beach
In Galveston, people who shoot fireworks may be charged with a Class C misdemeanor with a fine of up to $500, a city spokesperson said. This restriction includes all public beaches and parks.
All of Bolivar Peninsula is unincorporated, and people can legally purchase and use fireworks in communities like Crystal Beach, Gilchrist, and High Island.
“You can set them off, but they have to be bought and they have to remain in the unincorporated areas to be legal,” said Maj. Ray Nolen of the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.
Fireworks stands are dotted along unincorporated side of Galveston County, mostly the east side off FM 3005 near Deets Road, or on Texas 146 in the San Leon area, Nolen said.
Is it dangerous to light my own fireworks?
Just because you can light fireworks doesn't mean you should, some officials said.
“Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix,” said Williams of Mongtomery County. “We tend to have a lot of injuries due to fireworks and it usually because fireworks were misused, they didn’t follow safety precautions or alcohol was involved.”
Jurek, who has been with Fort Bend County since 2021, said he has witnessed accidents caused by fireworks during Independence Day and New Year’s celebrations, but none have been life-threatening. He said the Fort Bend County Fire Marshal’s Office will have at least 10 extra personnel on duty on July Fourth.
“We have additional staffing in place for conducting inspections and patrolling areas ensure that state laws are met near facilities such as schools and churches,” said Fort Bend County Fire Marshal Justin Jurek. "The various fire departments have their own items in place; they’re preparing themselves as well.”
Jurek said fires had occurred due to improperly discarded fireworks, and there was also an incident where a man lost a few fingers because he'd held on to a mortar tube when it was ignited.
Nolen said the county urges those who handle fireworks in these areas to use safety precautions, such as not to point them toward any structures, make sure children are supervised, and not to engage in firework activity if impaired.
Do a lot of people complain about fireworks?
The number of fireworks-related complaints varies by county, according to reports from officials.
The number of complaints in Houston has dropped in recent years, police officials told the Houston Chronicle. You can search this new interactive map to view data on Houston fireworks complaints dating back to 2018.
Nolen said in his 30 years fireworks have not been problematic from a law enforcement perspective.
Residents do complain, he said, but the call volume is not as high as in incorporated municipalities.
“When you live in the unincorporated areas of the county you just kind of know that that goes with the territory,” Nolen said. “If you want to build a bar, you can do it without a permit, you can burn trash and you can shoot fireworks. There are less restrictions and that’s why they live in these areas.”
Sugar Land and League City officials said they do receive complaints each year about illegal fireworks. "We recommend attending the city's fireworks celebration," Sugar Land spokesperson Doug Adolph said.
Williams said it is important for residents to understand, while fireworks may only be sold during certain times, setting off fireworks is legal year-round.
“A lot of people will complain about fireworks on July 5, 6 and even into August,” Williams said. “Unfortunately, the sheriff’s office isn’t going to be able to respond. They can’t make them stop shooting off fireworks.”
Other laws for fireworks
Although fireworks may be legal outside the city limits of Houston and its suburbs, there are still locations where their use is illegal — within 600 feet of any hospital other than a veterinary hospital; an asylum; a licensed child care center; a church; or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education.
Fireworks are illegal in the area extending 5,000 feet from a city where they are banned. It's also illegal to shoot fireworks from a moving vehicle, including cars and boats.
People caught shooting fireworks in Houston city limits could be fined $200 to $5,000 for each firework, the Houston Chronicle reported, and other cities' citations could result in similar fines.
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