Dry weather, fireworks bans threaten booming business in Abilene

The weekend heading into the Fourth of July  normally is the busiest time of year for the various fireworks stores ringing Abilene's city limits.

This year, however, dry conditions could put a damper on this year's prospects, with sales restricted in much of the Big Country.

In response to the increased risk of fire, both Eastland and Callahan counties entirely have banned fireworks sales, with Taylor County banning bottle rockets and other missiles.

More: Taylor County commissioners' statement on firework sales

In March, the Eastland Complex wildfires destroyed hundreds of buildings in that county, including more than 80 homes, with one death attributed to the disaster.

Andrew Rodela, who runs  TNT Fireworks stand on Buffalo Gap Road just south of Abilene, told the Reporter-News that he's expecting to take a hit in sales this year.

"This year, with the big fires we've had, I'm sure it's going to be a lot slower than previous years," said Rodela, adding that the day of the week that the Fourth falls on also makes a difference.

"Last year, it was on a Sunday, the year before it was on a Saturday. Those were great years. But we also had rain, and it was wet outside, so this year we're not really sure what's going to happen."

More optimistic was Mary Cathryn Timpner, whose family manages the Alamo Fireworks Megastore on East Highway 80. She still expects to do good business over the weekend.

"If people want to get fireworks, they should definitely come before those days because we sell out really fast," Timpner said. "On the popular items we definitely sell out."

She credited some that to the store's location, just west of the Callahan County line, with a large number of customers passing through on the interstate.

"I suspect that since some of the counties have banned fireworks, if people would like to shoot fireworks still, they'll come here," said Timpner.

"We'll lose some business because it is a dry year, but we'll gain some business because other counties aren't doing it."

More: Fourth of July celebrations coming up in Abilene and the Big Country

Big bucks for big booms

The most popular items always are artillery — such as mortars — and multi-effect cake finishers, said David McKnight, of Alamo Fireworks, describing them as "big ticket items."

While popular, the items banned in Taylor County aren't aren't a large portion of their businesses, said Timpner, with McKnight adding that they haven't had any customers leave empty-handed after finding them absent.

The store is also well-stocked, with no supply chain issues this year, said Timpner, gesturing to a large pile of empty shipping boxes.

"We have a storage unit — it's completely full of fireworks — and we have boxes that still are waiting to go on the shelves," Timpner said. "We have more supply this year than almost ever."

For his part, Rodela said he still expects crowds of customers to visit his stand on Sunday and Monday, despite less favorable conditions.

"I'm sure it's going to be busy because people are going to be brave, and they're still going to want to pop fireworks," said Rodela.

"You don't sit down ... you just try to keep up with people coming."

Safe, legal and responsible

In consideration of the high risk of fire in the area, Big Country residents should take extra care, said James Fuller, a fireworks safety expert with TNT Fireworks in Dallas.

He urges people setting off fireworks to apply three pillars: "Stay safe, stay legal and act responsibly."

First, Fuller said, fireworks users should "put the proper precautions in place to where you're not posing a risk of injury or a risk of fire."

Bottle rockets and missiles - which this year are banned in Taylor County - pose a higher risk than other fireworks due to a tendency of tipping over, Fuller said.

"Mortars and multi-shot aerials have a standard base that's been built to a very strong standard that keeps that product from tipping over," Fuller said. "That's when we have the highest risk of fire or injury."

The lowest risk of injury and fire is posed by what Fuller called the "safe and sane" category of fireworks, which includes fountains, sparklers and other devices that stay on the ground and don't explode.

"If you're in an area where you're at a high risk and in proximity to a lot of flammable debris, that's the type of product a responsible consumer should be looking at," Fuller said.

Additionally, instructions on fireworks packages should be read and followed closely, Fuller said, and dud products never should be relighted.

"It's not work taking that chance," he said. Instead, dud products should be returned to a retailer for a replacement or refund, he said.

To the second pillar, Fuller said, consumers must make sure that not only are they buying legally, but also using fireworks in a legal area.

"You might be able to buy your product," said Fuller. "But that doesn't mean you get to use that product legally under the laws and restrictions put in place by your community."

Fireworks are prohibited within the Abilene city limits.

That also includes irregular restrictions on fireworks, Fuller said. Some communities have specific dates where fireworks are legal.

Lastly, Fuller said, consumers should act responsibly to their neighbors.

"Don't use fireworks that are going to hassle your neighbors or create a concern for pets in your area," said Fuller.

Proper disposal is also part of responsible firework use, he said, with used fireworks thoroughly doused in water and allowed to sit for 45 minutes, and checked to make sure no heat is being emitted before being placed in a waste container.

"It's yours when you bought it," Fuller said, "and it's yours when you need to put it in the trash."

The Abilene Police Department said in a news release Wednesday that it will be stepping up enforcement of the prohibition on fireworks being set off within city limits.

Those found in violation could face a Class C citation, including a fine of up to $500, as well as confiscation of any fireworks.

Starting at 9 p.m. Friday, and continuing through Monday, residents can report fireworks set off within the city limits to a special hotline, at 325-676-6598, which will allow 9-1-1 to remain open for emergency calls, police said.

Nathaniel Ellsworth is a general assignments reporter for the Abilene Reporter-News. If you appreciate locally driven news, you can support local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com. 

This article originally appeared on Abilene Reporter-News: Dry weather, fireworks bans threaten booming business