Bexar County bans certain fireworks as drought bakes San Antonio

On the recommendation of Fire Marshal Chris Lopez, Bexar County Commissioners Court issued an order Tuesday banning certain types of fireworks ahead of the July 4 weekend, MySA reports.

The order bars the use or sale of bottle rockets and rockets with fins for the foreseeable future, according to the news site. Other types of fireworks allowed under state law will still be available for purchase.

The ban comes as all of Bexar County remains in extreme drought and as unusually high temperatures bake the Alamo City, raising the risk of fire. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures climbed into the triple digits 13 days this month in San Antonio, a new record.

The ban only applies to areas within Bexar County but outside of San Antonio city limits, MySA reports. Fireworks within the city remain illegal — although the ban is widely ignored — and violators can face fines of up to $2,000.

With still 9 days left to tally, San Antonio has already seen the most 100 degree days on record in June with 13 of them. Austin has already had 15 100 degree days this month, but the record is 20, set in June 2008.

— NWS Austin/San Antonio (@NWSSanAntonio) June 22, 2022

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