AMARILLO, TEXAS -- As we all know, fires have devastated the panhandle since February. They've burned more than 80 homes and more than 140 structures, and because of that devastation, a ban on the sale and use of fireworks this fourth of July season is now a reality.
Potter and Randall County officials met today to discuss the restrictions, Tuesday a 60 hour disaster declaration was put into place.
"Initially that allows us to stop the sale or use of fireworks for 60 hours with the Governors signature which happened today that extends it for 30 days," said Mayor Paul Harpole
"The possession is also banned, we have city ordinances that carries a $1,000-$2,000 dollar fine. We will have strict enforcement this year, a lot more than we've had in years past, so we ask the citizens do not set them off or even have them in your possession in the city," said Chief Robert Taylor, Amarillo Police Department.
The penalty for using them is jailable offense and carries a class B misdameanor charge.
"It will not be a test, we are not going to talk to people twice about it, if you're shooting off fireworks expect to be arrested, it's just that simple," said Harpole.
The ban is not limited to just aerial fireworks.
"This includes sparklers, this includes anything that goes up in the air and or explodes."
Most people shoot fireworks in celebration of our country's independence, but officials are asking you to take a break this year.
"Fireworks started out as a way to celebrate the indepedence of this country, but I'll have to say that about the least patriotic thing anyone can do this year is shoot off fireworks," said Joel Richardson, Randall County Sheriff.
Randall County DA James Farren urges citizens to cooperate.
"This is a team effort, we need your help as well as your cooperation."
One citizen understands the ban...."Banning fireworks would help prevent fires and be beneficial for the community and the safety of our people," said Matthew Farley, Amarillo Citizen.
The ban also will affect the city's annual fireworks show.
"We have decided that we will not be launching fireworks this year," said Les Simpson, Amarillo Globe News.
To one citizen that is going to put a damper on the Fourth of July.
"I live at a children's home and there's a lot of kids and they like fireworks and it's always fun to go out and watch them and to take that away would kind of take away the majesty and majesticness of July fourth," said Jacob Del Moral.
The ban will change holiday plans, yet hopefully keep us all safe.
Sheriff Richardson went on to say he expects cooperation from 99 percent of the city and they will be out in full force on July fourth.
