Fourth of July Rules In Midland and Odessa
This Fourth of July many of us will be indulging our kiddos or reverting back to our childhood by doing what? Popping fireworks of course!
What would 'the fourth' be without the sparklers, roman candles, bottle rockets and such? Even though fireworks stands throughout the 4-3-2 will be packed for the next couple of days, we still have to remember that there are rules to follow as far as popping fireworks. Here is some info on what is legal and illegal this Fourth of July in the Permian Basin:
MIDLAND CO. - It's about that time again: food, freedom and fireworks. They've become staples of the Fourth of July.
"Roman Candles are always popular. The kids love it, plus you get to hold it, so it's kind of risky," Chris, who works at Mr. W's firework stand in Midland County, said.
The stand is gearing up for the rush of last minute fireworks enthusiast to show up.
"After 5, that's when people start getting off and it starts getting really packed," Jacob Molina, who also works at the stand told NewsWest 9.
Molina said residents aren't letting the drought deter them from stocking up.
"We had a guy that spent $490. He got one of those battlefields, the final showing, other little knick knacks. Sparklers of course. I think he got Roman Candles," he said.
According to Molina, some of the top sellers are Battlefield and The Final Showing, which are similar to professional fireworks.
"They're pretty big, they just pop in the sky," he explained.
Some of the other popular items are packages.
"A lot of people have been buying these assortment packs, just because you get a lot of variety," Molinar said.
There are still some rules you need to be aware of:
- firecrackers are not allowed in or within 5,000 feet of the Midland and Odessa city limits.
- you can only shoot them off in the county
- you must be on your own property or you need to have the owner's permission.
- Missiles with sticks and rockets with fins are banned in both counties
If you live in New Mexico, you're better off attending a professional display because the state has banned all fireworks.
At the Mr. W's firework stand, on East Highway 80 in Midland County, a portion of the money made will go to the Cornerstone Church's youth group. If you would like to help them out, they will be selling fireworks until midnight on July 4th.
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The Midland Fire Department would like to remind citizens that the possession and discharging of fireworks within the city limits of Midland is strictly prohibited.
With the exception of sanctioned firework shows, any firework that requires heat to activate is prohibited within the city and within 5,000 feet of the city limits by ordinance.
“If you can light it, it’s illegal,” said Interim Fire Marshal David Hickman.
Illegal fireworks include: blank cartridges, toy pistols, toy cannons, toy canes, or toy guns in which explosives are used, the type of balloons which require fire underneath to propel the same, firecrackers, torpedoes, skyrockets, Roman candles, Dago bombs, sparklers or other fireworks of like construction and any fireworks containing any explosive or flammable compound, or any tablets or other device containing any explosive substance.
Fireworks packages sold at several large mercantile stores in Midland include items sometimes referred to as “poppers” that make noise when pulled or thrown against the ground – these are legal.
Violators will have all illegal firework materials confiscated regardless of amounts or type. Fines may be issued and can be up to $2,000. Sanctioned fireworks shows, such as the downtown Star Spangled Salute and Midland RockHounds shows, are exempt by permit. Midland County is currently under a burn ban. Fireworks with fins and sticks will not be permitted to sell by local vendors.
Vendors are required to be 5,000 feet from any city limit boundary. The Midland Fire Marshal’s Office and the Midland Police Department will be enforcing the City’s fireworks ordinance.
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Fireworks are Illegal in the City Limits
June 24, 2013 – The Odessa Fire Marshal’s office would like to remind citizens it is illegal to sell, possess, or explode fireworks in the City limits. Citations will be written to anyone found with fireworks inside the City limits.
There are no “safe fireworks", so to enjoy our Independence Day make plans to attend Firecracker Fandango, hosted by Main Street Odessa, and witness a professional fireworks display over downtown Odessa.
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