Discussion and possible action for Commissioners Court to order and enforce Local Government Code Sec. 352.051 "Regulation of Restricted Fireworks" for the Fourth of July fireworks season in all the unincorporated areas of Webb County and other applicable statutes. A violation of this Order is a Class-C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine not to exceed $500.00.
Issue: The current Keetch-Byram Drought Index (KBDI) average for Webb County is 532 and may reach the index trigger of 696 immediately preceding the Fourth of July holiday. (The KBDI scale ranges from 0-800, with 800 representing severe drought conditions). These conditions create a high risk for wildfires to damage life and property.
Solution: Order a restricted fireworks ban on those items classified under 49 C.F.R. Sec. 173.100 (r) (2) (10-1-86 edition), as "skyrockets with sticks" and "missiles with fins" to be enforced by the Sheriff's Office to discourage use of those fireworks to in order to prevent ignition of wildfires and damage to life and property.
Result: A conscious effort to mitigate the effects caused by fireworks and wildfires.