HOUSTON – The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office confiscated fireworks Tuesday that were being sold on the Internet.
The office got a tip from a concerned citizen about the fireworks being offered on Craigslist.
They tracked the fireworks to southwest Houston where they found 75 cases full of 1.4 fireworks.
It has been illegal to discharge fireworks or to have fireworks in your possession in the City of Houston for more than 40 years.
Fireworks fines within the city are set and assessed by the municipal court and range from $250 to $2,500 for each violation.
Citizens should also be aware that Harris County Judge Ed Emmett signed an order June 23, 2011, declaring a drought disaster and banning the sale or use of any fireworks anywhere in unincorporated Harris County.
Violators of the fireworks ban in Harris County face a $1,000 fine or 180 days in jail. The only exception to the ban is for a public display "conducted by a person holding a valid pyrotechnic operator’s license or a valid pyrotechnics special effects operator’s license."
The Houston Fire Department warns it will have extra personnel throughout the city watching for violators.
