How the State Fire Marshal’s Office keeps you safe during fireworks seasons

Attending your town’s fireworks show or buying firecrackers from a roadside stand? Do you ever think about safety in these situations?

The State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFMO) has you covered.

SFMO investigators and inspectors check fireworks retail stores all over the state during selling seasons, like the Fourth of July and New Year's Eve. They’re looking to make sure stand operators follow safety rules and make sure Texans are safe. After all, we’re dealing with a lot of fire power.

“We’re looking for anything that could be a threat to public safety,” said Lt. Chris Kress, an SFMO licensing investigator. “Things like proper exits, proper lighting, and making sure there’s nothing around the stand that could light on fire.”

Each fireworks store in Texas must have an SFMO-issued permit. What should you look for in a fireworks store? “Make sure it’s in a safe location,” said Lt. Chris Rusche, a SFMO life safety inspector. “You want something in an easy-to-get-to area with plenty of lighting.”

From December to July, SFMO inspected 1,014 fireworks stands and stores.

Rusche said: “Thankfully, the majority are safe and follow the code.”

And what about local fireworks shows or shows at baseball games and theme parks? SFMO makes sure those are safe too. Every fireworks show must have an SFMO permit. The permitting process makes sure licensed professionals operate the shows, that local fire officials know about them, and that they’re a safe distance from anyone or anything that could be in harm’s way. SFMO issued 1,598 display permits since December. That’s a lot of oohs and ahhs.

SFMO is committed to keeping Texan’s safe year-round. If you have questions about fireworks, call us at 512-676-6800 or email Fire.Marshal@tdi.texas.gov.

SFMO is a division of the Texas Department of Insurance.

Learn more

• How to stay safe when using fireworks
• Fireworks Licensing