MIDLAND, Texas — As soon as that clock hits midnight on Jan. 1, most people hear one thing: fireworks.
On New Year's Eve, it’s common for people to ignite fireworks to celebrate a new year.
But what people might not know are the rules and regulations regarding fireworks.
"A few things to be reminded of are possession and discharge of fireworks within the city limits, or 5000 feet within the city limits is prohibited by law and possession or discharge in the city limits," Joe Rivera, Fire Investigator for Midland Fire Marshal's Office said. "Individuals are subject to confiscation of all fireworks and may be fined up to $2,000 plus court costs."
"If you are going to pop fireworks we recommend going out to the county in a safe area where there’s clear land with no grass," said Eugene Dominguez, Fire Investigator for the Odessa Fire Rescue.
"If you're going to discharge fireworks out in the county you do have to be at least 600 feet from any firework stand," Rivera said. "You have to be 100 feet from any roadway and if you are going to be discharging fireworks out in the county on land that doesn't belong to you, you must have a written consent from the property owner."
So while fireworks are fun, they also come at a cost if you’re using them in the wrong place.
They might also come at a cost if you’re not careful with them, they can cause injuries or even fires.
"Burns and eye injuries are pretty common; especially in children," Rivera said. "We may think sparklers are pretty innocent, when in fact they exceed over 1000 degrees temperature.
"Don’t let the small kids handle them," Dominguez said. "Don't hold them in your hand, don’t throw them. You're going to have a flat level surface. [...] Have a water source, a bucket of water or something where we have one that doesn't go off. Don't go try to relight it. That’s when accidents happen. Like a dud explode in your face or in your hand so if it doesn't go off, leave it alone for 20 minutes. Try to pour water on it. Don't relight it."
You also don’t want to start the new year scaring your furry friends.
"If you do have pets, I would keep them in the house," Dominguez said. "Have them, you know, in a room with a TV or music playing that way it kind of blocked out the noise. I know in the past we've had problems where animals run away because they're scared of the noise."
Just because it’s a new year doesn’t mean you can’t follow the rules and be safe when it comes to fireworks.
As the fireworks in the sky suggest, the New Year calls for celebration, not for a trip to the police station or hospital.
While most people are out celebrating when the clock hits twelve, first responders are hard at work, this being one of their busiest nights.
So if you do need to call Midland or Odessa Police or Fire Departments, know they are responding to all sorts of firework and shots fired calls and they will get to your request eventually.
Here are the official rules for Midland according to their website:
- "Possession and discharge of fireworks within the city limits or within 5,000 feet of the city limits is prohibited by law.
- Any firework that must be ignited by a heat source is illegal to possess or discharge. Small items such as "poppers" are not prohibited. Individuals are subject to confiscation of all fireworks found in their possession and a fine up to $2,000 plus court costs.
- Fireworks also may not be discharged on federal, state, or county roadways. If individuals plan to discharge fireworks on private property not belonging to them, they must have a written letter of permission from the land owner.
- The Midland Fire Department also reminds citizens to use caution when discharging fireworks. Eye and burn injuries are common among children, and they should be supervised by an adult. Devices such as sparklers may reach temperatures exceeding 1,000 degrees.
- Grass fires are another potential risk during fireworks season. Have at least one of the following extinguishing agents available while discharging fireworks: water, sand or dirt, or a portable fire extinguisher. Never hesitate to call 911 if a fire develops."
Here are some of Odessa's safety tips according to their website:
- Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
- Keep all bystanders at least 25 feet away from fireworks.
- Adults should always supervise activities involving the use of fireworks.
- Fireworks are illegal in the city limits. You could be fined $431.
- Don’t bring your pets to a fireworks display.
- If fireworks are being used near your home, put your pet in a safe, interior room to avoid exposure to the sound.
- Make sure your pet has an identification tag in case it runs off because of fireworks.