As area drought conditions worsen so does the concern for safety during firework season.
Firework sales began June 24 and lasts through July 4 — a 10 days span where locals grab up everything from firecrackers and sparklers to high-in-the-sky aerial displays.
The popping of fireworks within all local city limits is outlawed and violators are subject to a citation from either the police or fire department, Port Arthur Police Chief Mark Blanton said.
Lamar State College-Port Arthur will host its 11th annual Independence Day celebration Saturday, July 4 and feature a fireworks display over the Sabine-Neches Waterway.
Patrons may view the fireworks show on the sea wall behind the Parker Center, just don’t bring your own cherry bombs or artillery shells.
“We encourage people not to pop their own fireworks. We are in drought conditions and this is a fire hazard,” Blanton said. “Citations can be issued by either the police department or the fire department.”
PAPD will enforce the ban on fireworks, especially with the drought conditions, he added.
Groves City Marshal Jeff Wilmore said the drought conditions bring a different perspective to firework safety. Firework fans are asked not to use bottle rockets or fireworks with fins. These types of fireworks can ignite easily under dry conditions.
The Southeast Texas area has a rainfall deficit of more than 5.6 inches causing Jefferson County Commissioners to enact a burn ban last week.
Precinct 1 Commissioner Eddie Arnold asks to be careful.
“ I know there will be some folks who want to pop some fireworks over the holiday but we want to encourage and appeal to public that though there isn’t a ban on fireworks, be careful,” he said.
Arnold also asked for those popping fireworks to pick up their debris because if not, the county will be responsible for cleanup.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Mary Meaux
Discussion
June 29, 2009
Fireworks and drought, a dangerous combination
- Local News
-
-
Sweethearts celebrate at Walgreens Valentine Party
- EDC parks proposition to be on May ballot
- Two in custody for robbery of Bridge City business
-
Despite economy, PA’s YMCA shows growth
- Upcoming Triangle Fundraisers
-
Tall, dark and handcuffed; Robber caught in Beaumont
A man suspected in the robbery of two Beaumont banks was apprehended outside Parkdale Mall on Wednesday.
The “tall, dark, handsome” robber is facing federal bank robbery charges for the Beaumont incidents and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Houston is in the process of obtaining a warrant for a Houston bank robbery.
The suspect has been identified as John “Steven” Stark, 46.
Police responded to a call of a robbery about 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8 at Prosperity Bank, 6150 Eastex Freeway in Beaumont. -
Coast Guard gets lesson in doggy daycare
- Port Neches Police calls, Jan. 31 through Feb. 6
- Sales tax rebates continue upward climb
- USW reaches agreement with Valero, Chevron Phillips
- More Local News Headlines
-
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
