County Judge Set to Extend Ban on Fireworks

With drought conditions worsening, El Paso County Judge Veronica Escobar said she intends to issue a second declaration of local disaster to extend the county’s ban on the sale, use and possession of fireworks beyond July 5.

The current ban, approved by commissioners June 14 on a 3-2 vote, is set to expire June 5 at 7 a.m.

Because fireworks are being sold in Socorro and in Dona Ana County in New Mexico, Escobar said in a statement that people who may have purchased fireworks would be able to use them in El Paso county after 7 a.m. Tuesday.

If approved by Texas Governor Rick Perry, Escobar’s second declaration would last 60 hours past Tuesday and allow her to extend the ban on the use of fireworks.

Under state law, vendors can sell fireworks until midnight on the Fourth of July.

The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is currently at 720 for El Paso County, is expected to increase to 735 in the next 14 days, Escobar said in a news release. The maximum number on the drought index is 800. El Paso’s drought index when commissioners approved the first ban was 693.

Violation of the ban is considered a Class C misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of up to $500, although El Paso Sheriff Richard Wiles said people who set off fireworks and cause property damage will be charged with a felony.

To report any violations, call the El Paso County Sherriff’s Office’s non-emergency line at 915-546-2280. For emergencies, immediately call 911.