Brownwood News – The Brown County Commissioners met at 9 a.m. on Monday, June 26th, at the Brown County Courthouse for a short list of agenda items, included was the current burn ban recently enacted. With the Fourth of July holiday looming, many residents have called the courthouse inquiring about the burn ban and the sale and use of fireworks in Brown County.
Both Commissioners from Precinct 3 and 4 cited not enough rain in their areas to safely lift the ban. After unanimously approving no action on the current burn ban, the court was asked if the ban would include the use of fireworks in Brown County.
“It will not affect the sale or use of fireworks,” said County Judge Ray West.
“We do want to ask that people be careful in areas that are dry,” added Commissioner Joel Kelton.
Firework Safety Tips:
- Always buy fireworks from an established retail outlet.
- Always read and follow label directions.
- Always have an adult present.
- Only ignite fireworks outdoors in cleared areas away from houses, buildings, dry leaves, and flammable materials.
- Keep water handy for emergencies.
- Never experiment or attempt to make homemade fireworks.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks; soak them in water and throw away.
- Never give fireworks to small children.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Never throw fireworks at another person.
- Never carry fireworks in your pocket.
- Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers.
- Wear eye protection when shooting fireworks.
- After shooting them, soak fireworks in water before putting them in the trash.
These tips were published with information from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) Alliance, National Council on Fireworks, Consumer Product Safety Commission, and the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI, Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC).
