San Antonio, TX Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)
Key Facts
- Measurement
- All consumer fireworks banned inside San Antonio city limits
- Authority
- Sale prohibited within 5,000 feet of city limits (IFC 5601.1.3.1)
- Authority
- Class C misdemeanor; fines up to $2,000 per violation
- Permit/License
- Public displays require SAFD permit under IFC Section 5608
- Authority
- City adopts 2024 IFC under Code of Ordinances Chapter 11
Summary
All possession, sale, use, transport, and manufacture of fireworks is prohibited within San Antonio city limits and within 5,000 feet of those limits, per the adopted International Fire Code Section 5601.1.3 and Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154.
(a) A person may not:(1) explode or ignite fireworks within 600 feet of any church, a hospital other than a veterinary hospital, an asylum, a licensed child care center, or a public or private primary or secondary school or institution of higher education unless the person receives authorization in writing from that organization;(2) sell at retail, explode, or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where flammable liquids or flammable compressed gasses are stored and dispensed;(3) explode or ignite fireworks within 100 feet of a place where fireworks are stored or sold;(4) ignite or discharge fireworks in or from a motor vehicle;(5) place ignited fireworks in, or throw ignited fireworks
Full Breakdown
San Antonio has adopted the International Fire Code (2024 edition effective May 1, 2025; previously 2018) under Code of Ordinances Chapter 11. 1 makes it unlawful for any person to have, keep, store, sell, offer for sale, give away, use, transport, or manufacture fireworks within the corporate limits, or to sell or offer for sale fireworks within an area extending 5,000 feet beyond the City limits. Limited exceptions exist for storage and handling under Section 5604, manufacture and testing under Section 5605, and licensed public fireworks displays under Section 5608, all of which require permits from the San Antonio Fire Department (SAFD).
The 5,000-foot extraterritorial sales restriction is authorized by Texas Occupations Code Chapter 2154 (Texas Fireworks Law) and Texas Health and Safety Code Sec. 953 for cities meeting the population threshold. Sparklers, fountains, Roman candles, bottle rockets, and all other consumer fireworks are illegal inside the city.
Violations & Fines
Violation is a Class C misdemeanor under city ordinance, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 per offense. Reckless use causing fire damage may also be charged as arson under state law. SAFD and SAPD enforce the ban; fireworks may be confiscated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sparklers in my yard inside San Antonio?
Why is fireworks sale also banned outside the city?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
How San Antonio compares: Cities Where Fireworks Are Banned or Heavily Restricted·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas fire regulations overview
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Fireworks in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle fireworks.