Montgomery County will consider adding three new fireworks sales seasons after soliciting feedback from the public this month. 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 approved during the 2015 legislative session and gives each county the option to consider allowing the 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 state legislature left this up to each county to decide if it’s appropriate for their area. It’s important to involve as many citizens as possible in this decision.” The sale of fireworks is legal in all Texas counties two times annually—the 12 days leading up to the Fourth of July and New Year’s. However, fireworks are only legal to shoot off in unincorporated areas of the county. Municipalities, like the cities of Conroe and Shenandoah, have ordinances against fireworks, and there is a covenant in place in The Woodlands Township that prohibits the discharge of fireworks. During the Feb. 9 Montgomery County 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] locations in Montgomery County, and every time I open my business I pump a lot of money out into the economy.” Commissioners Court is expected to take up the issue for consideration during a March meeting after the fire marshal’s office presents resident feedback from its online survey. 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 [is over] the fireworks continue for several days after.” According to the fire marshal’s office, one of the worst wildfire outbreaks occurred on New Year’s Day in 2008 after a cold front passed through the county. More than 150 wildfires broke out as residents continued to discharge fireworks. Clint Cooke, assistant fire chief for the South Montgomery County Fire Department, said the department responds to occasional spot fires or burn patients during a typical fireworks season. “Our biggest concern is the aerial fireworks and potential for [wildfires],” he said. “When those go up there’s no way to predict where they come down.” If Montgomery County approves the additional fireworks sales seasons, the court may still prohibit or restrict the sale and use of fireworks if the Texas Forest Service determines drought conditions exist in a county. To take the fireworks survey, visit www.mctx.org/fire.