AUSTIN, Texas — Anyone looking to celebrate the new year with fireworks can start purchasing them on Wednesday, Dec. 20. Fireworks sales continue through midnight on Jan. 1.
Rainfall expected later in the workweek and over the weekend could help ease dry conditions for Central Texans who want to set off fireworks during the holiday.
Local officials are encouraging people using fireworks to be courteous and pay attention to local laws.
Residents are not allowed to shoot off fireworks within the city limits in Austin. Most jurisdictions in Travis, Williamson and Hays counties prohibit the use of fireworks within or near city limits. If you are unsure of whether you can shoot off fireworks, you should check with your city or your local fire department before buying or using fireworks.
An interactive county map with the fireworks-free buffer zone area is available at Williamson County Map.
You can pop fireworks in unincorporated parts of Travis County, according to the Travis County Sheriff's Office (TCSO). You must stay 5,000 feet away from any city limits, and you must pop them safely. Be wary of dry grass and leaves nearby, make sure you have water on hand in case of a fire and always follow the instructions on the box.
Fireworks are illegal within the City of Austin, except for:
- Snakes and GlowWorms
- Smoke bombs
- Wire sparklers
- Noisemakers such as party poppers or snappers
If your neighbors are shooting them off anyway, you can report them by calling 311. Austin police asks that residents not report fireworks by calling 911.
If you are allowed to shoot off fireworks, check out our guide to safely celebrate.