Montgomery County Commissioners Court considered adding three fireworks sales seasons March 8 following feedback solicited from the public through a survey.

The proposed sales seasons include 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.


House Bill 1150, authored by state Rep. James White, R-Woodville, was passed during the 2015 legislative session and gives each county the option to consider additional fireworks seasons.


“There’s a big difference between Montgomery County and a rural county in deep West Texas, ranging from the population differences to the number of subdivisions,” Montgomery County Fire Marshal Jimmy Williams said. “I think it’s important that the Legislature left this up to each county to decide if it’s appropriate for their area.”


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The sale of fireworks is legal in all Texas counties two times annually—the 12 days leading up to both the Fourth of July and New Year’s. However, fireworks are only legal to be used in unincorporated areas of a county. Municipalities, such as the cities of Conroe and Shenandoah, have ordinances against fireworks, and there is a covenant in place in The Woodlands Township that prohibits the use of fireworks.


During the Feb. 9 commissioners court meeting, resident Vernon Zellner asked the court to consider allowing the additional seasons.


“I talked to quite a few retailers in Montgomery County who are interested in this,” he said. “I have four [fireworks stand] locations in Montgomery County, and every time I open my business I pump a lot of money out into the economy.”


As the population and density of subdivisions in Montgomery County rises, the issue of fireworks has become a concern for local residents who complain about excessive noise and concern for pets and livestock, Williams said.


“Complaints we get are about debris from fireworks landing in yards and on roofs, and the noise is also a complaint,” he said. “A common complaint we get from people is that after New Year’s the fireworks continue for several days after.”


Clint Cooke, assistant fire chief for the South Montgomery County Fire Department, said the department responds to occasional spot fires or burn injuries during a typical fireworks season.


“Our biggest concern is the aerial fireworks and potential for wildland fires,” he said. “When those go up there’s no way to predict where they come down.”