Lubbock has not seen a recordable amount of rain in almost 50 days, which means the city is in an abnormally dry to moderate drought period. Firework vendors around town are saying that people have to take safety precautions when handling fireworks more than ever this year, especially considering how dry it has been.
“If you don’t shoot fireworks off where there isn’t a lot of grass, you find yourself a nice field where there’s not a whole lot of vegetation that’s dried out,” said Laura and Scott Bailey of Mr. W Fireworks.
“I think with not having the moisture that we were predicting, you know, I think it does play a factor in sales, but you never know. We could have people come out and just buy all night long,” said Joseph Stewart, Fireworks Supercenter manufacturer.
Other things to keep in mind are to stay on asphalt or caliche surfaces, and just playing it safe can avoid accidents going into the new year.
“We really don’t want anybody holding them. You know, be conscious of what you’re doing. You know, don’t point anything — Bottle rockets or anything, roman candles at anybody,” said Stewart.
Vendors will try to do everything possible to give customers directions on how to have a fun, and safe, time.
“If you follow the rules, in fact, all of the Mr. W’s fireworks bags have rules on the back of them to kind of help you. If you don’t have any common sense, we write it out for you,” said the Baileys.
Most fireworks stores will be open today until midnight on Sunday. Also, remember that it is illegal to pop or even possess fireworks in city limits.
