Prevention / Inspections

Fireworks

Fireworks Information for Harris County


Effective January 1, 2020 operational permits are required for fireworks.


Fireworks Retail

A person selling fireworks 1.4G directly to the public must obtain a nonrenewable permit for each retail location. (https://www.tdi.texas.gov/fire/ fmlifirework.html).

A retail fireworks permit holder may sell fireworks to the public only during the following periods:

  • Beginning June 24 and ending at midnight on July 4.
  • Beginning December 20 and ending at midnight on January 1 of the following year.

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Harris County Fireworks Permit

Firework Displays

Outdoor displays of Fireworks 1.3G require a permit from the Texas State Fire Marshal’s Office. The Harris County Fire Marshal’s Office will conduct a site inspection and approval in accordance with Section 2154.204 of the Texas Occupations Code.

  • A county-issued permit is required before any use of flame effects or pyrotechnics, including Fireworks 1.4G, in unincorporated Harris County if any of the following conditions exist:
    • Indoor use.
    • Use before a proximate audience.
    • Use before an assembly or 50 people or more.
    **Note: If fireworks are associated with a special event, you must obtain a special event permit too.

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Harris County Display Permit

When You're Ready to Shoot

  • NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN TO PLAY WITH OR IGNITE FIREWORKS
  • Always read and follow label directions, warnings, and instructionss
  • Be considerate of your neighbors
  • Only ignite fireworks outdoors, and away from houses and other buildings
  • Be sure other people are out of range before lighting fireworks
  • Light only one firework at a time
  • Never try to re-light fireworks that have not fully functioned
  • Never give fireworks to small children, even sparklers can cause serious burns
  • Never throw fireworks at another person, vehicle, or animal
  • Never carry fireworks in your pocket
  • Never shoot fireworks in metal or glass containers
  • Dispose of spent fireworks properly

Pet Safety

We are always concerned about fireworks safety for adults and children – but don’t forget your pets!

  • Do not take your pets to a fireworks display.
  • Do not leave them in the car by themselves or unattended outside.
  • Keep all pets inside. If you are having guests, keep the pets in a room that is off-limits to the guests and provide the animals with plenty of food and water.
  • Create a calming environment. Surround pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects.
  • Play soothing music or keep the TV on and keep the room as quiet as possible to outside noise by closing windows, doors and blinds.
  • Do not let pets sniff or ingest fireworks. Aside from a severe burn, your animal can become ill or even die due to ingesting chemicals and heavy metals in fireworks.
  • Make sure your pet is licensed and wearing its license tag. Consult with your veterinarian and seriously consider micro-chipping your four-legged friend. These two items better ensure the pet is able to reunite with his/her family if it gets lost.

Before you Shoot

  • DO NOT LET YOUR CHILDREN BUY FIREWORKS WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION
  • Only buy from reliable fireworks sellers
  • Never experiment or attempt to make your own fireworks
  • Store fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Find a smooth, flat surface — away from the house and other buildings, or dry leaves and grass
  • Be sure to have water handy in case of a malfunction or fire
  • ALWAYS HAVE ADULT SUPERVISION!