Fireworks legal despite Burn Ban

PENNY MAGUIRE EDITOR

Real County Commissioners voted earlier this month to re-instate a burn ban due to dry conditions. The ban was temporarily lifted after the county received reports of up to 3 inches of rain in some areas. But, fire fighters began complaining after several fires broke out and the ban was put back in place.

When asked last week if the ban included fireworks, Judge W. B. Sansom said the deadline to enact the ban on fireworks was June 15 and no one brought it up at Commissioners’ Court.

More rain fell in some parts of Real County over the last few weeks, but everyone is reminded to use fireworks during the July 4 holiday with extreme caution or not at all.

Kico Sanchez, Fire Chief for the Leakey Volunteer Fire Department reported conditions are very dry and everyone should obey the ban. His fire fighters combated six fires recently due to dry conditions and some possible illegal burning. As a result of the fires, over 100 acres burned. Although no citations were issued, a violation of the burn ban can result in a fine up to $500.

Sanchez said, however, that a citation was issued last week near Reagan Wells. He said Reagan Wells fire fighters received a report of a fire in a burn pit. The person(s) responsible for the burning said they were not aware of a ban and refused to extinguish the fire, according to Sanchez.

If you choose to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks, please be sure children are well supervised and dispose of all trash.

Sanchez said his units are concerned and “ready to roll.”