Taylor County, TX Fire Regulations: Fireworks (2026)

Texas Local Government Code §352.051 authorizes a county Commissioners Court to prohibit or restrict the sale or use of 'restricted fireworks' (defined as skyrockets with sticks and missiles with fins) in unincorporated areas when the Texas A&M Forest Service certifies a Keetch-Byram Drought Index of 575 or greater. A violation is a Class C misdemeanor. Under §352.051(f), the county can designate 'safe areas' where restricted fireworks remain legal. Texas Local Government Code §352.081 separately allows the Commissioners Court to impose a 90-day burn ban prohibiting outdoor burning when drought or wildfire risk warrants it. Taylor County publishes its current burn ban status on the county Public Notices page; the most recent action was a burn ban lift effective April 13, 2026. The county also maintains a standing Fireworks Order banning discharge on county roads and rights-of-way. Within the City of Abilene, all consumer fireworks discharge and sale are prohibited inside city limits and (under state law) within 5,000 feet of city limits unless the city authorizes sales. Common 'permissible' (non-restricted) consumer fireworks generally remain legal on private rural property with the owner's permission unless a §352.051 order is in effect.