Bell County Commissioners Court may restrict 'restricted fireworks' (skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in the unincorporated county under Texas Local Government Code §352.051 when the Texas A&M Forest Service certifies a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 575 or greater. As of April 2, 2026, Bell County's burn ban — adopted under TX LGC §352.081 — was lifted by County Judge David Blackburn after beneficial rainfall. Burn bans do not by themselves outlaw fireworks; a separate §352.051 fireworks order is required. State sales licensing is governed by Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154.
Texas counties have only the limited fireworks authority granted by Texas Local Government Code §352.051. Upon a determination by the Texas A&M Forest Service that drought conditions exist (KBDI of 575 or greater on average) during a designated fireworks season — Texas Independence Day, San Jacinto Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Diwali, or December — the Commissioners Court by order may prohibit or restrict the sale or use of 'restricted fireworks,' defined as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins. The order expires when drought conditions no longer exist, and the county may designate safe areas for use. A separate statute, Texas Local Government Code §352.081, authorizes commissioners-court burn bans on outdoor combustible burning, but as the Texas Association of Counties notes, §352.081 does not by itself ban fireworks. Bell County's Commissioners Court adopted an emergency burn ban effective March 16, 2026, which County Judge David Blackburn lifted on April 2, 2026 after rainfall. Outside burn-ban periods, residents must still report planned burns at (254) 933-5555. Sale of fireworks is licensed by the State Fire Marshal under Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 and 28 TAC Chapter 34. Violation of a county burn-ban order is a Class C misdemeanor with a fine up to $500 (Texas LGC §352.081(h)).
Violation of a Bell County burn ban order: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500 (TX LGC §352.081(h)). Violation of a §352.051 fireworks order during drought: Class C misdemeanor, fine up to $500. Reckless conduct that causes a wildfire may be prosecuted as arson under Texas Penal Code §28.02 (felony, fines up to $10,000). Inside city limits — Killeen, Temple, Belton, Harker Heights — local ordinances generally prohibit fireworks year-round; check city rules before discharging.
Bell County, TX
Bell County has no noise ordinance with set quiet hours in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general police power to regulate noise (Local Gov Code C...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate fence heights in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack zoning authority outside ETJ. Subdivision regulations (adopted 2001,...
Bell County, TX
Bell County Commissioners passed an ordinance on Feb 7, 2011 to control stray dogs and cats in unincorporated areas, enforced by the Sheriff's Office Animal ...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not regulate STR parking in unincorporated areas. Texas counties cannot impose off-street parking minimums on residential lots (Tex. Loc. Go...
Bell County, TX
Bell County does not set occupancy limits for short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no zoning or building-code authority over singl...
Bell County, TX
Bell County imposes a 2% county Hotel Occupancy Tax on short-term lodging (under 30 days) in unincorporated areas, on top of the 6% state HOT. Rentals inside...
See how Bell County's fireworks rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.