By Ray Jeffrey
Bulverde Mayor

Who doesn’t love fireworks?  A fireworks display is exciting and beautiful; children become giddy and grownups enjoy a certain nostalgia when the rockets and roman candles burst overhead. 

More than any other Americans, rural Texans value their freedom to do what they like on their property as long as they are not hurting others.  Most of us are responsible in our use of fireworks, and in normal conditions the accompanying risks may not be excessive. Although we experience some fires from fireworks during reasonably wet periods, they are relatively infrequent.

Thus far, Bulverde’s summer of 2008  is a time of extreme conditions. The risk from fireworks on this Independence Day is far from acceptable. Measurements of drought conditions in Comal County are in excess of the “extreme” category, and the probability of wildfires is sky-high.  Fireworks are an enjoyable luxury. In no way can they be considered a necessity. 

Please stop and think for a moment of the tragedies which can be inflicted by a wildfire: loss of life (human and otherwise), as well as destruction of homes and other property. We are experiencing water shortages, and the water needed to fight a major fire would be considerable.

I am optimistic that all mature adults who consider the serious fire risks during this drought will refrain from lighting fireworks over the holiday weekend. Of course, we all know that kids often do not consider the consequences of something as fun as fireworks.  For some young people, a ban may make fireworks even more attractive as “forbidden fruit”.

Make no mistake about it, there is now a ban on fireworks throughout Comal County, including Bulverde. Judge Danny Scheel has issued an executive order declaring a drought disaster. Law enforcement officials will be vigilant to catch offenders, but we need parents to set an example and make sure their children know the seriousness of the dangers presented by fireworks during this difficult time. 

Aside from fireworks, local authorities have also banned outdoor burning. Extra care should be taken with outdoor barbeques, welding and smoking. Please have a happy and safe Independence Day, and don’t forget the members of our armed forces and law enforcement who keep us free and safe.