CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — We're just a few days away from the start of a new year, and a popular tradition for many celebrations include fireworks.
The Corpus Christi Fire Department (CCFD) wants to remind people that the sale and discharge of fireworks within the Corpus Christi city limits is illegal. This includes beaches.
In July, there were 13 fireworks-related citations issued during the Independence Day holiday, and those citations can be costly.
If cited, you could be fined up to $2,000 for each opened package of fireworks.
But if you do go outside the city limits to celebrate with fireworks, there are some things to remember.
"You wanna have permission from the landowner," said Fire Chief Robert Rocha said. "You want to make sure that if you're in another jurisdiction, for example, in the city limits of another city, you need to follow the regulations that are within those city limits."
Below are other safety tips from CCFD.
- Never use fireworks while impaired by drugs or alcohol
- Never allow young children to handle fireworks
- Older children should use them only under close adult supervision
- Anyone using fireworks or standing nearby should wear protective eye wear
- Never light fireworks indoors
- Only use them away from people, houses and flammable material
- Only light one device at a time and maintain a safe distance after lighting
- Never ignite devices in a container
- Do not try to re-light or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak unused fire works in water for a few hours before discarding
- Keep a bucket of water nearby to fully extinguish fireworks that don't go off, or in case of a fire
To report any illegal discharge of fireworks, call 886-COPS (2677). Do not call 911 for fireworks complaints.
