Before you shoot off those July 4th fireworks, you need to know this.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

If your Fourth of July celebration includes at-home fireworks, there are a few things you should know.

First, it’s legal in Erath County.

County Judge Brandon Huckabee told Beneath the Surface News that with no burn ban in place, residents have the green light to ignite those fireworks.

But it’s a different story for those residing in the city limits.

Stephenville Fire Marshal Gregg Schrumpf said fireworks are prohibited in the city with the exception of professional shows which require a permit.

You can, however, play with sparkers all you want, but you better be careful.

Sparklers aren’t as innocent as they seem and were blamed for 1,700 injuries last year.

And that’s not the worst of it.

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 deaths and 14,700 people treated in emergency rooms for fireworks injuries in 2024.

If those stats aren’t enough to keep you from setting off your own bottle rocket, keep scrolling.

The safety commission has its own page dedicated solely to fireworks safety that you can read here.

And these are the safety tips it offers:

• Never allow young children to play with or ignite fireworks, including sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit—hot enough to melt some metals.

• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy, in case of fire or other mishap. 

 • Light fireworks one at a time, then move quickly away from the fireworks device. 

• Never try to relight or handle malfunctioning fireworks. Soak them with water and throw them away.

• Never place any part of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse. Move to a safe distance immediately after lighting fireworks.

• Never point or throw fireworks (including sparklers) at anyone.

• After fireworks complete their burning, to prevent a trash fire, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding it.

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area, and only purchase and set off fireworks that are labeled for consumer (not professional) use.

And guys, this is a biggie: Never use fireworks while impaired by alcohol or drugs.

Now go and have yourself a super fun July 4th celebration and have a hot dog for me!