Fireworks stands across the area are beginning to open up

SAN ANTONIO — The 4th of July is fast-approaching and firework stands are starting to open up across our area, including the surrounding counties.

Before you light the sparklers, rockets, and mortars, there are some rules to remember, most just common sense.

They are illegal inside the San Antonio city limits, but you can use them in certain parts of Bexar County.

County guidelines say you can’t pop fireworks within 600 feet of any church, school, daycare, or hospital.

You obviously can’t set them off near a fireworks stand or a gas station.

Do not use them in your car or throw them out of your car or even at other cars.

If you want to put on a big fireworks show you have to have a license to work with fireworks and get permission from a fire prevention officer.

It’s a Class C misdemeanor if you’re caught breaking any of these rules.

You can be hit with up to a $10,000 fine and jail time if you, even accidentally start a fire with fireworks.

The absolute best thing, go to one of the professionally organized fireworks displays. There are always several around the area.

But if you do decide to set some off yourself, there are plenty of stands to get your fireworks. Just make sure they have a permit to sell. Any stand without one is selling illegally.