Cy-Fair Fire Department officials are rolling out free firework disposal buckets across the Cypress area in preparation for the July 4 holiday while supplies last, CFFD Director of Communications and Marketing Leah Gowin said at the June 25 regular Harris County Emergency Services District No. 9 meeting.
Cypress residents living in an unincorporated area are allowed to shoot fireworks at the discretion of their homeowners association and in accordance with Texas law.
The overview
After receiving an unusually high number of firework-related calls during the 2025-26 New Year's holiday, per a news release, CFFD began planning community risk reduction for the next firework-heavy holiday season.
CFFD purchased 3,600 half-gallon buckets labeled with proper firework disposal methods in both English and Spanish.
Gowin said they’ve partnered with local H-E-B stores and TOPDOG Fireworks to distribute the buckets, and have already seen high demand from the community.
Buckets are also available at the CFFD Administration Building at 10710 Telge Road, with the program running from June 24 until July 3, while supplies last. Gowin said neighboring districts, such as the Spring Fire Department, had previously implemented a similar firework safety initiative that CFFD used as its model.
“Even fireworks that appear extinguished can smolder undetected for hours, turning trash cans, garages, and other enclosed spaces into ignition points,” CFFD Fire Chief Amy Ramon said in a news release. “Over the years, our department has responded to numerous structure fires that were a result of improper fireworks disposal, and in nearly every case, the resident simply didn’t know.”
How it works
Per a CFFD news release, users should fill their fireworks disposal bucket with water prior to firework use. After use, place spent and “dud” fireworks in the water-filled bucket, and leave them to soak overnight away from structures, homes and out of enclosed spaces until fully cooled. Once cooled:
- Drain excess water after soaking
- Place soaked fireworks in a resealable plastic bag
- Tie them inside two plastic grocery bags, or double wrap in plastic wrap
- Dispose of wrapped, wet fireworks in the trash, not recycling or yard waste
According to the news release, wrapping wet fireworks ensures moisture is retained, as chemical residue remains can combust once dried out.
“This bucket program is one of the most direct ways we know of to prevent fireworks-related incidents,” Ramon said. “A simple action like soaking spent fireworks in water can be the difference between a family’s going to bed safely and a family’s losing their home.”
A quick note
According to the Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office, when igniting fireworks, a distance of at least 600 feet must be maintained from:
- Places of worship
- Hospitals
- Veterinary hospitals
- Asylums
- Licensed child care centers
- Public, private primary or secondary schools
- Institutions of higher education, unless with written authorization
Additionally, a distance of 100 feet must be maintained between places where flammable liquids and compressed gases are stored and dispensed, and places where fireworks are stored or sold. It is illegal to use another person’s property to shoot fireworks without their permission, or to ignite or discharge fireworks from or toward a motor vehicle.
More information regarding fireworks safety and best practices from HCFMO can be found here.
Looking ahead
“This has been a very successful campaign,” Gowin said during the June 25 ESD 9 meeting. “The feedback just from the community just in the three or four days that it’s been launched has just kind of blown us away, so we’re really excited about that.”
Gowin said CFFD is already planning to use the same initiative for Diwali, New Year's and years to come. More information regarding the campaign and fireworks safety practices from CFFD can be found here.
