Texas department to monitor out-of-town fireworks stands

Officials aim to prevent city residents from returning with purchases and avoid fires on holiday

July 03, 2012 10:50 AM

By Bethany Peterson
Corpus Christi Caller-Times

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Fourth of July celebrations bring big crowds.

Corpus Christi officials are working to ensure they don’t bring big problems.

Dry weather and potential blazes caused by aerial fireworks are among the chief concerns.

“We will be monitoring the fireworks stands and trying to prevent people from bringing them back into the city,” said Capt. James Brown, of the Corpus Christi Fire Department.

Nueces County is under a burn ban, but aerial fireworks still will be allowed outside the city limits. However, possessing fireworks inside the city carr ies a fine of as much as $2,000 per firework.

“You can’t say you were going to take them to the ranch later,” Brown said.

The city also is moving Wednesday’s regularly scheduled trash and recycling pickup to Saturday, said Corpus Christi Public Information Officer Kim Womack. In past years, trash was picked up on schedule regardless of holidays.

“This is the first year we are going to have alternative pickup days,” she said. The city’s recycling drop-off centers in H-E-B parking lots also will be closed Wednesday, according to the city’s website.

The Corpus Christi Police Department has designated July 4 a no refusal period, and phlebotomists will assist with blood draws for those suspected of drunken driving, officials said.

Police officers and Nueces County probation officers also will conduct more than 500 visits today and Wednesday to those on probation for drunken driving convictions, according to a news release.

Police also are focusing their efforts on curbing the discharge of firearms within the city limits, which can bring penalties of as much as a year in jail and as much as a $4,000 fine, if convicted.

Residents are encouraged to call 886-2677 instead of 911 if fireworks are being set off in their neighborhood.

Police will assign additional officers to concentrate on drunken driving enforcement, monitoring traffic flow at the intersection of Zahn Road at State Highway 361.