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Drought and Fines Deter Fireworks DALLAS, TX (KERA) - The end of the year is traditionally celebrated with fireworks. But this year, North Texas is facing drought conditions, so setting off fireworks in most cities remains illegal. KERA's Ed Martelle has more.

Right now, almost all of Texas runs from abnormally dry to severe drought conditions. And some counties in North Texas already have burn and fireworks bans in place, including Tarrant, Wise, Montague, Cooke, Grayson, Fannin, Hunt and Hood counties. If you are planning fireworks in other counties, Misty Wilburn with the Texas Forest Service urges extreme caution.

Wilburn: When you're popping fireworks, make sure that you're safe about it. Follow all the directions, make sure that you keep a bucket of water and a water hose available, in case something does go wrong. Make sure all fireworks have been dropped in a bucket of water after they've been popped and cooled off. Just be smart about your fireworks use.

Fort Worth Police Lt. Paul Henderson says you might learn an expensive lesson if you set off fireworks in Fort Worth.

Henderson: If you are caught in possession of fireworks, you will receive a ticket. And the ticket could be anywhere from $500 to $1,000.

Both Dallas and Fort Worth say they will have beefed up patrols on New Year's Eve ready to write you that big ticket.

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