City Of Cedar Park: Holiday Fire Safety 101

Press release from the City of Cedar Park:

December 17, 2021

While fireworks sales in Texas officially begin on Monday, December 20 and run through Saturday, January 1, the Cedar Park Fire Department is reminding everyone that it is illegal to possess or use most fireworks in the Cedar Park Fire Service Area, without a special permit.

This restriction includes the area inside the Cedar Park City limits as well as within 5,000 feet of the Cedar Park City boundaries. The Cedar Park Fire Department responds to several areas of Travis and Williamson Counties, which are not in the city limits but are part of the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Fireworks are illegal in those ETJ areas that are served by the Cedar Park Fire Department. Outdoor burning within the City limits of Cedar Park without a special permit is always illegal, regardless of burn ban status.

The City of Cedar Park has a zero tolerance policy regarding fireworks. That means police must issue citations to any violators. The fine, including court costs, for possessing fireworks adds up to $189.

The City of Cedar Park has a zero tolerance policy with regard to fireworks violations. Chief Mallinger says, “We’ve seen serious injuries and property damage from them. What starts as a good time can easily end in a tragedy and ruin your celebration.”

The Cedar Park Fire Department joined firefighters from several other departments across the region to make a video public service announcement called Stop the Pop.

This press release was produced by the City of Cedar Park. The views expressed are the author's own.