San Marcos PD: Fireworks prohibited in city limits

Sierra Martin | Managing Editor

SAN MARCOS – As residents of San Marcos welcome in the New Year, the San Marcos Police Department reminds the community that fireworks are prohibited within city limits.

According to a San Marcos City Ordinance, fireworks are not allowed to be sold or used within 5,000 feet of city limits. SMPD recommends residents stick to sparklers and noisemakers to celebrate New Years for safety and to prevent scaring pets.

The penalty for violating the ordinance, part of the fire safety code, includes fines of up to $2,000.

“Every year we receive a high volume of calls on this night due to fireworks being set off in our community,” SMPD said in a Facebook Post. “Please resist the urge to light the fuse and help us keep all of our neighbors happy and our officers free to respond to emergencies.”

Fireworks cannot be lit near schools (including colleges/universities), churches, hospitals, licensed child care centers, gas stations, or near where fireworks are sold.  Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged in or from a motor vehicle or thrown towards a motor vehicle.

Additional safety recommendations by the local police department include staying close to friends or family if attending public spaces, and not drinking and driving. 

The Hays County Fire Marshall provides the following guidelines and videos for safe use of Fireworks:

• Children should not use fireworks. Make sure an adult is always watching.
• Remember: Alcohol and fireworks are a bad mix.
• Follow the instructions on the firework.
• Avoid shooting fireworks near dry grass, brush, or other materials that can easily catch on fire.
• Never aim fireworks where they could land on a house or hit a person.
• Have a bucket of water, garden hose, or other water source ready for emergencies.
• Cleanup your fireworks debris but always allow the debris to soak in a bucket of water for several hours before dumping in the trash can.  Never store your trash can near or inside your home/garage after dumping fireworks debris into it.

The SMPD non-emergency line can be reached at (512) 753-2108.

San Marcos Corridor News wishes all of our readers a Happy New Year! Our team hopes everyone has a fun and safe celebration into 2022!