The season for selling fireworks began June 26, and the Harris County Fire Marshall's Office has been promoting fire safety in preparation for the Fourth of July holiday.

"Any carelessly used firework has the potential to start a fire or cause injury," said Harris County Fire Marshal Mike Montgomery. "Fireworks are not legal in most cities and they are also banned in certain sections of the unincorporated area of the county. Officers will be issuing citations and could seize illegal fireworks."

Vendors in unincorporated Harris County are able to sell fireworks twice a year. Fireworks will be available for purchase until 11:59 p.m. July 4 and again in December.

Although it is legal to purchase and use fireworks in unincorporated Harris County, there are limits that the public should be aware of:

A person may not:

Ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, hospital, asylum, public and private school property, higher education institute or licensed child care center

Sell or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place that stores or keeps flammable liquids or gasses

Ignite fireworks within 100 feet of where fireworks are sold

Ignite fireworks in, from or towards a motor vehicle

Ignite fireworks indoors without a permit from the Harris County Fire Marshall

For more information, call the HCFMO at 281-436-8030 or visit www.hcfmo.net.