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Fireworks May Start Fires In Central Texas Storm Drains

A potential fire hazard is brewing below Williamson County streets. 

Dry leaves are filling many neighborhood storm drains which means even the smallest spark from fireworks could ignite a fire.
"Each year Williamson County will receive 911 calls for fire or smoke in a gutter," Williamson County Emergency Management Coordinator Jarred Thomas says.

He is worried people might toss a used firecracker or sparkler into a storm drain thinking the water in the drain will put them out.  The debris below the top layer could be dry enough to smolder and ignite a fire.

Thomas says responding to a gutter fire ties up valuable resources.

"We tie up emergency services, firefighters and fire responders on calls that may not need a lot of attention but take away from other emergency calls which need more attention."

Setting off fireworks in and around most of Williamson County is illegal.  If caught, you could face a fine up to $500.