BEXAR COUNTY, Texas -- City and county leaders have made it very clear that fireworks are not allowed this July 4th weekend.
If you are caught breaking the law, you could get a ticket and a hefty fine.
"The grass is extremely dry," said Sheriff Amadeo Ortiz. "A small fire will quickly get out of control, and it will put a lot of people in danger. So it is a very serious situation."
Just about everyone is guilty of lighting a sparkler or popping some "Blackcats" in the driveway on the 4th of July. But starting Friday, July 3rd, San Antonio Police and Bexar County Sheriff's deputies will step up patrols. They are even bringing in extra officers to try to catch people who are illegally popping fireworks.
"Anyone who is caught using, purchasing, or transporting fireworks in the City of San Antonio will be cited and the fireworks will be confiscated," explained Earl Crayton of San Antonio Fire Department.
If you're caught using any type of fireworks inside the city limits, you will get a ticket, will have to go to court, and could be ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
"We're not going to be giving any warnings," said Bexar County Fire Marshal Orlando Hernandez. "We're gonig to be issuing citations to everyone using outside of those zones."
If you live in the county or a community like Balcones Heights, Leon Valley, or Hollywood Park, and choose not to pop in a safe zone, it can get you a ticket, a court appearance, and up to a $1,000 fine.
Both the county and city have set up fireworks hotlines for people who want to report the illegal use of fireworks:
City of San Antonio: 210-207-7963
Bexar County: 210-335-FIRE
July 4th events and fireworks safe zones
So where can you see fireworks on the 4th of July?
The city is holding its big celebration at Woodlawn Lake on Saturday. It's free to get in. There are also fireworks shows at Fiesta Texas, Sea World and after the Missions Game.
Click here for a list of July 4th events.
The only place you can legally shoot off fireworks is at the safe zones. There are 8 safe zones to choose from.
Click here for a map of those zones.
