The sale of fireworks in Montgomery County will remain limited to two sales periods a year—Fourth of July and New Year’s—following a vote March 8 by the Montgomery County Commissioners Court. 

After House Bill 1150, which was authored by state Rep. James White, R-Woodville, was signed into law following the 2015 legislative session, each county was given the option to consider three additional fireworks sales seasons. The proposed seasons included Texas Independence Day from Feb. 25-March 2, San Jacinto Day from April 16-21, and Memorial Day from the Wednesday before the last Monday in May to midnight on the last Monday in May.

The Montgomery County fire marshal’s office conducted an online survey in February to gain feedback from residents on the proposed seasons. Of the more than 4,400 individuals who took the survey, 61 percent of respondents were opposed to the additional sales seasons. According to the report from the fire marshal’s office, those residents opposed to the additional seasons were concerned about quality of life issues like noise disturbances. Montgomery County resident Karen Smith said additional seasons would create additional costs for the county in terms of manpower and equipment needed to respond to incidents and emergencies caused by fireworks. “There are professional fireworks displays available each year celebrating various holidays that the public can attend,” she said. “My research has led down one road—that most county residents were not aware of the legislation and were not happy about it.”

The issue of fireworks has become a concern for local residents who complain about excessive noise and concern for pets and livestock,  Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams said. The sale of fireworks is legal in Texas counties two times annually—the 12 days leading up to the Fourth of July and New Year’s Day.However, fireworks are only legal to shoot off in unincorporated areas of the county. Municipalities, such as the cities of Conroe and Magnolia, have ordinances against fireworks, with the exception of city-sponsored events.