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What you need to know about lighting, watching fireworks in Central Texas

Posted at 12:56 PM, Jun 19, 2018
and last updated 2018-07-04 11:11:19-04

Here is everything you need to know about lighting and watching fireworks in Central Texas this Independence Day.

Central Texas is experiencing a drought, so many areas are under a burn ban. In areas where fireworks are allowed, be sure to be extremely cautious this summer when lighting them. 

Click here for tips on firework safety.

Leave your pets at homeduring Independence Day celebrations. More dogs run away on the Fourth of July than any other day of the year, so be sure to keep your furry friends inside and distracted while fireworks displays are happening.

MCLENNAN COUNTY

County Commissioners have banned the use of fireworks due to drought conditions. You can visit the county website for more information on what this code means.

In the city limits, including Waco, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, West and Robinson, the possession, use or manufacture of fireworks is prohibited.

BELL COUNTY

In unincorporated areas of the county, no one may sell, detonate, ignite or in any way use fireworks classified under 49 C.F.R part 173.100 (r) (10-1-86 edition) due to drought conditions in the area. This includes fireworks classified as "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins."

Fireworks are also banned in city limits, including Copperas Cove, Harker Heights, Killeen, Temple and Belton.

CORYELL COUNTY

Coryell County is currently under a burn ban in all unincorporated areas of the county.

In Gatesville, possessing or shooting off fireworks is prohibited in city limits.

LIMESTONE COUNTY

Limestone County is also under a burn ban. The sheriff's office asks that those who use fireworks in the rural areas of the county use extreme caution: avoid shooting fireworks in areas that are dry or have overgrown grass and brush, and don't use fireworks near structures and homes.

HILL COUNTY

A burn ban is also in effect in Hill County. 

In Hillsboro, the use of fireworks is prohibited within city limits.


Where can you watch fireworks?

Fourth on the Brazos in Waco:
The annual riverfront event starts at 5 p.m. at Touchdown Alley next to McLane Stadium. 

There will be live music, a corn dog eating contest, a food and drink court and a fireworks show over the river.

You can find more information about the event here.

H-E-B All American 4th of July Family Fun Fest in Temple:
Miller Park will open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

There will be live music, a splash pad, craft vendors, food vendors, inflatables and kid-friendly activities. The fireworks show will start at 9:30 p.m.

You can read more information about the event here.

Belton Celebration and PRCA Rodeo:
Fourth of July celebrations begin with the annual parade, which has been a tradition in the city since 1919.

The parade will take place in Downtown Belton starting at 10 a.m. For more information, click here.

A free concert headlined by Cory Morrow and fireworks show will be held at Schoepf's Bar-B-Que starting at 5:30 p.m. For more information, click here.

The rodeo will take place at the Bell County Expo Center the following days from July 5 to July 7. 

Fort Hood Independence Day Celebration:
Starting at 4 p.m. at Hood Stadium, there will be food trucks, parades, live music, the annual H-E-B grocery cart race, a KidZone area filled with bouncy houses, free balloon animals and a climbing wall, and ending with a fireworks show.

Phillip Phillips will be headlining the celebration. You can click here for more information on the event.

West Chamber of Commerce Fireworks Display:
On July 3, a fireworks show in West will begin at KC Hall at 9 p.m. The gates will open at 7 p.m.

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