Letting freedom ring doesn’t mean compromising the safety of yourself or others. Residents are reminded this Independence Day that the City of Round Rock explicitly prohibits the sale or use of any fireworks.

Use or possession of fireworks is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $2,000.

Fireworks include devices which make a visible or audible effect when set off. The City’s ordinance specifically outlaws possession and use of sparklers, skyrockets and firecrackers.

What about outside the city limits?

Just because you live outside the City limits doesn’t mean it is legal to discharge fireworks. There is a 5,000-foot fireworks-free zone outside City limits in Williamson County. This map shows where fireworks can be legally discharged — and where they cannot.

Fire departments in the U.S. respond to more fires on the 4th of July than any other day in the year because of careless handling of fireworks. Most fires occur in dry brush and grass, but many homes are destroyed or damaged on this holiday. Nationally, more than $36 million in property is damaged each year due to fireworks.

Citizens who have fireworks, which are illegal, may turn them in to the Inspection Division without penalty by contacting 512-218-5590. Citizens who wish to report illegal use of fireworks should call 512-218-5500.

Please visit our fireworks page for more on fireworks and the City of Round Rock.

Fireworks shows will go on

Professional fireworks displays that have been sanctioned by the City are exempt from this ordinance.

City of Round Rock Parks and Recreation will light up the skies with a Fourth of July fireworks display shortly after sunset at Old Settlers Park. The show coincides with the City’s annual Frontier Days celebration at the park.

Kalahari Resorts and Conventions will also host an Independence Day event including a fireworks show, from 5-10 p.m. July 4, and the Round Rock Express will once again put on a postgame fireworks show on July 4.