Even though there is not a severe drought situation like last year, fireworks can create a potentially dangerous fire situation, and Forest Supervisor Mark Van Every says law enforcement personnel will be watchful again this year.

“It only takes a few days of summer heat and lack of rainfall to put our forests and grasslands at a high fire risk,” Van Every said. “For the safety of the public and our forests and grasslands, we urge people to attend public fireworks displays and to keep in mind that fireworks are not allowed in the Angelina, Sam Houston, Davy Crockett and Sabine National Forests, and the Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson National Grasslands.”

The four forests and two grasslands in Texas cover nearly 700,000 acres of public land and have many popular recreation areas for camping, boating, picnicking, hiking and a variety of outdoor activities.

“Those possessing or discharging fireworks or other pyrotechnic devices in the national forests or grasslands can be ticketed and fined. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s holiday, but at the same time, we want the holiday to be enjoyable and safe for all forest and grassland visitors,” Van Every said.