‘Tis the season! July Fourth is almost here, and firework shops are lining the roads outside the city. Many North Texas cities are putting on firework shows, but residents may want to take things into their own hands.
Before lighting up sparklers in the backyard, though, Fort Worth residents should know the law on fireworks.
Can you light fireworks within city limits?
The short answer: No.
No fireworks, including sparklers and pop snaps, can be set off within Fort Worth city limits, according to City code.
The only exception to this rule is a firework show that has been inspected by the Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office and approved by the city of Fort Worth.
For personal use, Tarrant County residents may only ignite fireworks in unincorporated areas of Tarrant County — that is, areas that do not have a local government. Residents may only ignite fireworks on property that they either own or have received permission from the owner to light fireworks on.
Even if on private property in an unincorporated area, there are rules civilians must follow with lighting and exploding fireworks.
The Tarrant County Fire Marshal’s Office outlined the rules regarding fireworks, including the prohibition of:
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Lighting or exploding fireworks within 600 feet of a church, non-veterinary hospital, asylum, licensed child care center or any primary or secondary school and any institution of higher education unless there is written consent from the organization to do so.
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Selling, exploding or igniting fireworks within 100 feet of a storage or dispensery unit for flammable liquids or flammable compressed gases.
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Igniting or exploding fireworks within 100 feet of a storage or retail unit for fireworks.
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Igniting or exploding fireworks within or from a vehicle.
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Placing or throwing ignited fireworks in or at a vehicle.
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What happens if you do anyway?
Outside of the possible damage and injuries of fireworks, if a resident violates any of the rules listed above, they will receive a Class C Misdemeanor and may face a fine of up to $200.
If any of the above violations result in property damage of $200 or more or cause bodily injury or death, they may face a Class B Misdemeanor, which could lead to a fine of up to $2,000 or up to 180 days in jail.
The National Fire Protection Association reported that fireworks started about 31,302 fires in 2022. In 2024, around 14,700 people were treated for firework-related injuries, including 11 deaths, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Thirty-seven percent of those injuries were burns, primarily to the hands, fingers, head, face and ears.
How to report illegal firework use
The Fort Worth Police Department asks that residents report illegal fireworks to any of the following:
Last year, Fort Worth residents used the above reporting measures to report more than 1,300 fireworks displays, according to the City.
Last year, Fort Worth residents logged more than 1,300 reports of illegal fireworks displays.
Residents should only call 911 regarding fireworks if someone has been injured or killed.