July 4 revelers encouraged to have fun, but be cautious

Despite a region free of burn bans in Texas this Fourth of July holiday, emergency officials ask you be vigilant of the risks associated with fireworks. 

At this time last year 230 of Texas’ 254 counties had implemented outdoor burn bans. And while that number is only 88 this year, Texas Forest Service Spokesman Justice Jones says the wildfire potential exists in areas where consecutive days of hot temperatures have dried out vegetation. That’s occurred in several areas, including Northeast Texas.

Fireworks are legally sold in counties from June 24 to July 4, but their use is generally prohibited within city limits.

All of Texas has emerged from the worst stage of drought for the first time in nearly 15 months. The weekly U.S. Drought Monitor map released Thursday showed none of Texas in exceptional drought for the second straight week.