Dry conditions hinder 4th of July fireworks

Popping fireworks in the Hill Country looked a bit different this Independence Day — with many forgoing the annual tradition.

Thanks to a countywide burn ban and unseasonably dry conditions throughout the state, individuals and businesses alike expressed concerns that Fourth of July fireworks could lead to unwanted and out-of-control wildfires. Hays County itself allowed most fireworks with the exception of two types: “skyrockets with sticks” and “missiles with fins.” But even the county encouraged those who chose to pop fireworks to keep a bucket or source of water on hand.

Many residents seemed confused on whether fireworks were allowed, while others merely said they thought it irresponsible. Both groups took to social media to express their disapproval.

“It’s up to everyone’s (sometimes poor) discretion?” Alberto Magnani, a Dripping Springs resident, said in a Facebook post. “That doesn’t seem right… it’s pretty dangerous right now. I thought the burn ban on/off sign was a pretty reliable sign of when it’s safe or not.”

“I had a great view [of the fireworks], and they were fantastic,” posted local George Slater. “But I couldn’t stop thinking about the safety aspect the whole time. This is definitely not the year for this.”

Disapproval ranged from respectful comments to downright aggression, with many Dripping Springs residents concerned for their safety and property.

Local brewery 12 Fox Beer Company had planned a large fireworks show to go along with its Independence Day celebration but backed out the day of, citing “severe drought conditions.”

“As much as we would love to have fireworks tonight, we can’t justify taking the chance on burning the countryside down,” the company stated on its Facebook page. “We already paid for the fireworks; we already paid for the music… as much as we would love the extra people at our brewery buying beer from us and enjoying the fireworks, we also have to make the decision to follow our gut and do what is right and best for the community.”

The brewery still held its event, sans fireworks. The community response was overwhelmingly positive, seemingly in support of the last-minute decision, according to another Facebook post from the company.

“We truly thought canceling our fireworks show was going to drastically reduce the amount of people attending our fourth-annual Fourth of July party,” it stated. “However, we had way more people turn out for Beer + BBQ + Bands than we ever dreamed.”

“Gummies BBQ said he sold more food last night than the last three weeks combined, and your purchases pulled him out of an extremely slow summer bind,” it added. “They ran out of most of their food, and Kurt had to improvise by pulling steaks from the cooler to finish the night.”

Other businesses took a different approach to the firework situation, choosing instead to move forward with their original — and legally permitted — plans. Dreamland Dripping Springs and Hog Heaven Sporting Club hosted large displays, both of which largely went off without a hitch.

Although Dreamland’s event caught a small patch of grass on fire, the few flames were quickly put out by a fire crew on standby. The local fire department was also present, though they were not required for an assist.

“There’s something to be said for being prepared,” said Alyson Dunn, a resident of nearby Wimberley who attended the display.

With the holiday over, the likelihood of a firework-caused wildfire has passed. But as long as conditions remain dry, temperatures remain high and winds continue to blow, the risk of wildfire remains.

For the latest, visit hayscountytx.com/law-enforcement/fire-marshal.