All over the country, fireworks stands are running short on inventory as communities cancel their traditional holiday extravaganzas and families are left to their own backyard amusements.
Sule Nazifi owns Elite Fireworks in Houston with his brothers and says their business is probably going to end up 400-500% higher than last year. The most important tip he offers is to buy right now, because social distancing limitations may cause very long lines for the procrastinators, who will have slim pickings to choose from. He advises ordering online and taking advantage of their curbside pick-up option.
The most important thing to know this year are the applicable laws depending on where your home is located.
If you live in unincorporated Harris County you’re okay, but not if you live within the city limits of Houston.
Same with unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County, but be sure to check with your HOA if you live in a subdivision and with your city. Katy crosses more than one county but it doesn’t matter, they’re illegal.
Brazoria County restricts fireworks within 5,000 feet of a city’s protected area.
The Woodlands and Conroe in Montgomery County prohibit fireworks as do Galveston and Dickinson in Galveston County.
Check the Fire Marshall’s office where you live to see what’s legal in your neighborhood.