Fireworks sales on the rise

The holiday season is in full swing and with New Year’s just around the corner, fireworks sales have begun.

Recent rains and strong holiday spending indicate a busy season for buying fireworks. The Keetch-Byram Drought Index, which is used to determine outdoor activities and to inform fireworks sales restriction shows no indication of rising to prevent any sales.

New laws are also making it easier to buy fireworks. A new law passed last summer allows shoppers to drive through most large cities with their “packaged, unopened fireworks.”

The law requires that purchased fireworks remain packaged, unopened and placed in storage sections of cars or trucks, away from passenger seats. Individuals can legally transport fireworks in a locked glove compartment, in the trunk, or in the bed of a truck.

This law only pertains to the transport of fireworks. Use or storage of fireworks in the city is illegal, as is opening packaged fireworks before heading into the city. Penalties for breaking the law include fines up to $1,000 and fireworks confiscation.

Fireworks ranging from sparkers and novelties to mortars and cakes are all being legally sold by popular vendors like Alamo Fireworks.