As everyone gets excited for the annual fireworks during the July 4th holiday, residents in the three incorporated cities of Montague County remind residents it is illegal to discharge fireworks within the city limits of Bowie, Nocona and Saint Jo.
Those who violate those city ordinances may receive a citation which is a class C misdemeanor carrying a fine of up to $500.
Bowie Fire Chief Doug Page said local residents can travel to Amon G. Carter Lake on July 4th to shoot fireworks at Selma Park, but only on that day.
Any other discharge of fireworks on other dates may result in a ticket.
Rusty Henley, Nocona fire chief, encourages residents to be cautious of any fireworks use.
“You could be fined or worse, destroy property or injure someone. Let your volunteer firefighters enjoy their holiday too, and not have to leave their families due to your carelessness,” said Henley.
Scott Thomas, fire chief at Saint Jo, invites folks to attend that community’s fireworks show for a safe evening of activities capped off by a big show on July 4 in Boggess Park.
A similar fireworks show will take place at Lake Nocona. (See related story on fireworks shows).
Independence Day and fireworks go hand in hand, but fireworks shouldn’t go in consumers’ hands. That’s the message the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is reinforcing this Fourth of July.

Read the full story of safety tips in the mid-week News.