Continued high temperatures and drought conditions lead to extreme danger of fireworks related fires

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett received a letter from Gov. Rick Perry granting an extension to the county's ban on the sale, use or transportation of all stick rockets and missiles with fins within Harris County.

Several weeks of unseasonably warm temperatures and dry conditions prompted Emmett to issue a county disaster declaration on Tuesday. That same day, Emmett made a request to the governor's office for an extension of the county's restriction on specified fireworks. Under state law, the county's ban would have expired Friday at noon.

The ban is now extended through 7 a.m., July 6, 2009.

"With the chance of little or no rain in our area's forecast in the near future, this extension is absolutely necessary to help maintain public safety," said Emmett. "The risk of wildfires and damage to residential and commercial property also continues to be a factor in maintaining the current countywide ban to help minimize those threats."

Residents are reminded that laws and ordinances vary within Harris County, with some jurisdictions and municipalities outlawing the use of all fireworks. Residents are encouraged to familiarize themselves with all related regulations before using fireworks of any kind.