Big Spring Fire Marshall Carl Condray said people wanting to have fun with fireworks this holiday should observe some simple rules to help keep themselves and their neighbors safe.

The most obvious concern, according to Condray, is where you decide to “pop” your fireworks.

“It is against the law to discharge fireworks in the city limits,” Condray reminds the public. “If you’re going to light fireworks you need to find a place in the county that you have access to and have permission to be there, especially if it is on private property.”

Despite several fireworks bans in past years, Howard County Volunteer Fire Chief Tommy Sullivan said this year's holiday will take place without any burn bans or fireworks bans in place.

“Regardless of whether there's a ban in place or not, we will operate on a zero-tolerance basis when it comes to fires this July 4 holiday,” said Sullivan firmly. “If your mistake results in the loss of someone else's property, you're looking at a charge of reckless endangerment and a $500 fine. And if you're caught popping fireworks by the side of the road, regardless of whether or not it causes a fire, you're looking at a fine.

“We don't have a lot of patience when it comes to this, and the boneheads that make these kinds of dumb mistakes are going to pay for them.

“The stuff out there will still burn, make no mistake about that. It's just not as bad as it's been in the past. With the July 4 holiday this weekend, we're still very concerned about the fireworks and what kind of damage they could do.”

Fireworks thrill-seekers planning to celebrate the holiday with their collection of Roman candles, sparklers and other assorted explosive displays should also remember to keep a few simple tools around while lighting up the West Texas sky.

“Make sure to have lots of water or a shovel where you can put out a fire,” he said. “Discharge the fireworks on a hard surface like a parking lot, something paved, concrete or on a dirt road. Light them on the ground and then quickly move away and don’t let children light them.”

Condray said firework enthusiasts should scout out a path for the direction of the fireworks before igniting them and remember to use some commons sense while handling explosives.

“Don’t ever hold the fireworks in your hand and don’t point them at other people,” Condray said. “Those things can backfire and they can catch your clothes on fire.”

Firework duds — pieces that have been lit but don’t explode — still present a danger and Condray recommends dumping them into a tub of water.

“Fireworks can be dangerous for a long time after they’ve been discharged,” he said. “Sparklers also can stay hot for a long time. Kids can burn their hands on them.”

While many area residents won’t be able to resist the color and beauty of fireworks this July Fourth, Condray recommends skipping the live fireworks this year and instead enjoy the warmth of friends and family.

“I wish people would choose to celebrate by sitting around with the family, friends and loved ones instead of popping fireworks,” said Condray. “And if fireworks are an important part of your holiday, enjoy the professional display at Pops in the park. But if you are going to celebrate with fireworks, please be careful.”

Those who do decide to light fireworks will be held responsible if their New Year’s fun gets out of hand, Condray warned.

“They are liable if they start a fire whether it was an accident or not,” he said. “You light the fireworks intentionally and there’s culpability. You’re going to be held responsible for your actions.”

Contact Staff Writer Thomas Jenkins at 263-7331 ext. 232 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it